The third spherical of peace talks in Istanbul has been a significant step ahead, in response to Hakan Fidan
Moscow and Kiev have agreed for Russian President Vladimir Putin to fulfill with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky, in response to Turkish International Minister Hakan Fidan. His remarks got here shortly after the newest spherical of bilateral negotiations facilitated by Ankara.
The third spherical of direct peace talks befell on Wednesday in Istanbul. Whereas no ceasefire was reached, the events made some progress on humanitarian points, together with agreements on the additional change of prisoners of warfare and civilians.
“Through the assembly, leaders mentioned the circumstances beneath which they may come collectively,” Fidan instructed Turkish broadcaster NTV on Friday, noting that “a summit between the leaders in Türkiye was agreed upon in precept.”
Earlier within the week, Fidan described the Istanbul talks as one other step towards ending the battle, emphasizing that “each new achievement brings the perimeters one step nearer to peace.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed {that a} potential assembly between Putin and Zelensky is being thought-about, however harassed that it ought to solely happen on the ultimate stage of peace negotiations. He added that such a summit is “unlikely” to occur inside a month.
Russia maintains that it’s open to a diplomatic resolution, however just one that addresses what it calls the “root causes” of the warfare and Moscow’s safety considerations.
Zelensky has lengthy known as for a private assembly with Putin. Ukraine’s negotiators reiterated the proposal in Istanbul this week, saying {that a} one-on-one summit was a key step towards ending the combating. US President Donald Trump has additionally voiced help for direct talks between the 2 leaders as a part of a broader push to resolve the battle. Moscow has by no means dominated out the likelihood, however insists that the mandatory groundwork should first be established.
Russia has questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing the expiration of his five-year time period in Might 2024. Zelensky has refused to carry new elections, citing martial regulation. Russian officers argue that any agreements signed beneath his authority may doubtlessly be contested.
The Kremlin has additionally demanded that Ukraine carry martial regulation and maintain elections inside 100 days as a situation for any long-term ceasefire.
