Moscow plans for negotiations with Ukraine on Monday
Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire Negotiations to Resume in Istanbul
MOSCOW - Russia has proposed a fresh round of direct negotiations with Ukraine over a possible ceasefire on Monday, slated to take place in Istanbul. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the proposal, noting that both sides' suggestions could be discussed during the meeting.
Peskov's remarks follow demands by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha for an immediate handover of Russia's memorandum containing proposed ceasefire terms. Peskov characterized this demand as unconstructive, stating that discussions should be held privately before any public disclosure.
Ukraine seeks the Russian memorandum ahead of the negotiations to prepare for tangible results. Ukrainian chief negotiator and defense minister, Rustem Umerov, announced on Wednesday that the Ukrainian position paper had already been submitted to Moscow.
Meanwhile, Moscow investigators have reported threats against the family of Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky, allegedly from Ukrainian radical forces. Peskov condemned the situation and indicated that if the threats originate from Ukraine, the situation would be highly disturbing. No further details about the criminal case were initially released.
In the past, Medinsky has been involved in direct negotiations with Ukrainian representatives to resolve the conflict. These negotiations did not yield success. In the resumption of talks this month, Kyiv criticized Medinsky, labeling him as a second-rate negotiator incapable of making decisions. Medinsky serves as Chairman of the Russian Writers' Union and the author of several controversial history books.
However, it's important to note that recent sources do not report any confirmed information or updates about threats to Medinsky’s family, either in connection to the ongoing negotiations or the conflict.
The ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue, with Russia pressing for concessions regarding the timing, terms, and location of negotiations. Both countries seek a resolution to the ongoing conflict, though differences persist over concepts such as a long-term peace agreement and a renewable ceasefire. Russia demands a ceasefire under conditions that Ukraine must halt Western weapons deliveries and stop mobilization efforts; Ukraine and its allies have firmly rejected these demands.
The service of discussing the ceasefire terms between Ukraine and Russia has been scheduled in politics, with general news outlets reporting the upcoming negotiations in Istanbul. The ongoing war-and-conflicts between the two nations have led to a call for private discussions, as both parties seek a resolution, albeit with differing conditions.
