Ankara: A Ukrainian delegation held talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, ahead of the third round of Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations in Istanbul. Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said on X that the delegation conveyed greetings from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and thanked Trkiye for its enduring support.

According to Anadolu Agency, the delegation was led by National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov. The discussions covered security situation, regional stability challenges, and the prospects for further defense cooperation. Yermak described the meetings as constructive and expressed gratitude to Trkiye for its political and security support.

The Ukrainian officials also met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Akif Cagatay Kilic, chief adviser to Erdogan. Yermak highlighted the importance of organizing a top-level meeting involving presidents Zelenskyy, Erdogan, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin to initiate meaningful peace talks.

The third round of renewed Russia-Ukraine peace talks facilitated by Trkiye is set to begin in Istanbul. The trilateral meeting involving delegations from Trkiye, Russia, and Ukraine is scheduled to commence at the Ciragan Palace. Trkiye's National Intelligence Organization chief Ibrahim Kalin and Chief of the Turkish General Staff Gen. Metin Gurak are expected to attend.

The first two rounds were held on May 16 and June 2. In these talks, both sides agreed to exchange additional prisoners of war and to return the bodies of 6,000 soldiers from each side. Russia's delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, while Umerov will head Kyiv's delegation.