The Russian delegation declares readiness to “work toward establishing a long-term and lasting peace”

Russia is prepared to negotiate with Ukraine to achieve a “long-term and lasting peace by addressing the root causes of the conflict”.

This information stated by Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation in Istanbul.

“We are committed to serious and professional work,” Medinsky wrote.

The Russian delegation also includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the Russian delegation has been waiting in Istanbul since morning. However, there is still no confirmed time for the meeting, and it remains unclear whether it will happen at all.

As reported by Western media, Ukraine intends to discuss the possibility of a one-month ceasefire.

Russia’s special envoy for the Foreign Ministry, Rodion Miroshnik, said that Moscow is not willing to discuss only a ceasefire, as reportedly proposed by Ukraine.

“The position of the Kyiv delegation—that only a ceasefire can be discussed in Istanbul—is incompatible with Moscow’s approach,” Miroshnik stated.

Russian officials also suggested that today’s negotiations with Ukraine could fall through.

“The talks in Istanbul could become a historic step toward peace, if they are not disrupted at the last minute,” said Putin’s special representative Kirill Dmitriev.