Moscow: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Russia will not be participating in the negotiations scheduled in Trkiye on Wednesday, which were announced by the Ukrainian side. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov stated that these contacts have been conducted without Russian involvement and that Russia awaits information on the discussions set to take place in Istanbul.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier communicated via Telegram his intention to visit Trkiye to advance negotiations on a settlement. Zelenskyy mentioned his plans to present solutions and focus on war prisoner exchanges, though he did not specify his negotiation counterparts or the content of his discussions. Media sources have reported that US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff is expected to join the talks.

Peskov indicated that Zelenskyy's comments likely referred to the meetings that will occur in Istanbul, involving Turkish counterparts and possibly Witkoff. He reiterated Russia's openness to negotiations, stating that Moscow's stance is well-known to all parties involved. However, Peskov noted that Russia does not currently have plans for meetings with Witkoff or Turkish representatives, though President Putin remains open to receiving updates on the discussions with Zelenskyy.

He further added that Kyiv's commitment to a resolution can only be evaluated once Zelenskyy shares his specific proposals. Regarding the potential delivery of French Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, Peskov asserted that it would not alter the military situation, criticizing France's military support for Ukraine. He emphasized that France's actions do not aid in achieving peace and instead contribute to military tensions.

On Monday, Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a memorandum for the delivery of 100 Rafale fighter jets to Ukraine, which Peskov criticized as an escalation rather than a peace initiative.