Moscow says Russia awaits Ukraine's response on proposed negotiating groups

Moscow has not yet received a formal response from Kyiv regarding the initiative to establish three working groups for negotiations, Alexey Fadeev, Deputy Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said during a briefing on August 13.

“During the meeting in Istanbul on July 23, the Ukrainian side was proposed an initiative to form three working groups on political, military, and humanitarian issues, which would work, in particular, via videoconference. We have not yet received a formal response from Kyiv,” the diplomat noted, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

At the same time, he confirmed that these issues are being discussed during ongoing contacts and “remain on the table.”

“We expect that the groups will be formed and will begin joint work as soon as possible,” Fadeev added.

The Istanbul talks on July 23 marked the third round of direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since May 2025, following a pause in formal talks since 2022. The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, proposed the creation of these working groups to address key aspects of the conflict, including prisoner exchanges and humanitarian concerns. During the meeting, both sides agreed to a significant humanitarian exchange involving over 1,200 individuals, though broader issues like a ceasefire remain unresolved.

Ukraine has consistently pushed for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire, while Russia has rejected such proposals, favouring continued military operations alongside negotiations.

By Khagan Isayev