Completed the second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul
Talks between Ukraine and Russia in Constantinople ended at a meeting that lasted just over an hour, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced.
The talks began with a delay of about a half hour and took place at the Tsiragan Palace in Istanbul, with the participation of the two countries’ delegations and the mediation of Turkish officials.
Ukraine presented a proposed peace plan that includes complete and unconditional ceasefire for 30 days, exchange of all prisoners, returning children who were violently transported to Russia, and security guarantees by the international community.
Russia has received the Ukrainian draft for its part and is expected to present its own proposals for a ceasefire and peace agreement.
During the peace talks, the head of the delegation handed the Russian delegation a list of names of children from Ukraine who have been violently transferred to Russia. Ukraine requires the immediate and unconditional return of these children, considering this act as a war crime and part of a systematic policy of ethnic cleansing.
It is noted that Russia has not officially recognized deportations as illegal and has not responded positively to Ukraine’s request for children.
According to the peace plan presented by Ukraine in talks, the return of all children is a key measure of building confidence, along with the exchange of prisoners and the liberation of political prisoners.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Fidan said at the start of the talks that the Dyo sides would discuss the prospects of a ceasefire, their positions, humanitarian issues such as the exchange of prisoners, and the preparation of a possible meeting at the leadership level.
In his presentation, he noted that « US support in Russia-Ukraine talks is extremely important. » And that « President Donald Trump’s determination to establish peace has opened a new window of opportunity. The main thing is to ensure a sustainable peace. «
Following the introductory placement of Fidan, the meeting continued behind closed doors.
The Russian delegation was the same as that of the previous round: it included Russian President Vladimir Mentinsky’s adviser, Deputy Foreign Minister Michael Galuzin, head of the Military Intelligence Service Igor Costiukov and Deputy Minister of Defense.
On the Ukrainian side, the Minister of Defense, Rustem Umero, was in charge. The two delegations are expected to depart from Constantinople within the day, without a new round of talks.
Turkey’s announcement
« The meeting was completed, with no negative result, » said Turkish Foreign Minister Odzu Ketseli spokesman, adding that « the two sides will make statements » later in media.
Following the end of the talks, Andriy Germak, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski, said the Ukrainian delegation had handed over to Russian negotiators a list of names of children that Kiev wanted Moscow to return to Ukraine.
Kiev claims that hundreds of children were removed from Ukrainian territories from Russian forces, and Ukraine is calling for their return to a peace agreement. Moscow claims that it took the children to protect them from war conflicts.
From Vilnius, Lithuania, Zelenski said Ukraine and Russia are preparing for a new exchange of prisoners of war.
