Istanbul: Russia is prepared to restart negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, but Kyiv has yet to respond to earlier proposals, according to Russia's charge d'affaires in Trkiye, Alexey Ivanov. Ivanov emphasized Russia's willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Ukraine, noting that Turkish partners have consistently maintained that the Istanbul platform is available for this purpose.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ivanov mentioned that Russia had previously put forward several initiatives, including proposals for the formation of three online working groups. However, he pointed out that Ukraine has not yet provided a positive response to these suggestions. Ivanov reiterated that Moscow remains open to dialogue if Kyiv demonstrates political will.

Meanwhile, Rustem Umerov, the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary and head of Kyiv's delegation for direct talks with Russia, arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday. Umerov stated on Telegram that his visit aimed to resume the exchange of prisoners of war, emphasizing the need to implement an existing agreement.

Earlier this year, Russia and Ukraine conducted three rounds of peace talks in Istanbul, reaching agreements on the exchange of prisoners and civilians. Both parties also shared memorandums outlining their missions to end the conflict that began in February 2022. Moscow had suggested creating three online working groups to tackle political, military, and humanitarian issues, but progress has stalled.

In addition to Trkiye, countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have played roles in mediating humanitarian exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.