Second round of Russia-Ukraine talks to be held in Erdogan’s office
A new round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will most likely take place in the office of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, according to an informed source cited by webangah News Agency.
The source told webangah that the talks would likely be held once again at the Dolmabahçe Palace presidential office in Istanbul.
Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, stated yesterday that Moscow would propose exchanging a memorandum of understanding outlining both sides’ approaches during potential upcoming talks with Ukraine in istanbul.
Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously proposed resuming direct, precondition-free negotiations with Ukraine on May 15. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the goal of these proposed talks was to eliminate the root causes of the war in Ukraine while ensuring Russian interests were protected.
The Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul on May 15 but no contact occurred between representatives of both countries that day. A meeting took place the following day and lasted approximately two hours.
Vladimir Medinsky, Putin’s advisor who headed Russia’s delegation, emphasized that Moscow and Kyiv had agreed to exchange proposals regarding a potential ceasefire. Medinsky also confirmed Russia’s readiness to continue negotiations with Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow’s delegation was prepared to present a memorandum on resolving the conflict during a second round of talks with Ukraine scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. Though, the Kremlin noted it had yet to receive any response from Kyiv regarding this proposal for renewed Turkey-mediated discussions.
