Russia signals readiness to resume talks with Ukraine in Istanbul

Russia has reaffirmed its openness to continuing dialogue with Ukraine in Istanbul, Alexey Polishchuk, Director of the Second CIS Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, told local media.

“We remain open to continuing the dialogue and highly value Türkiye’s hospitality,” Polishchuk emphasized, Caliber.Az reports.

The diplomat noted that in 2025, the Ukrainian side announced a suspension of negotiations in Istanbul, citing a lack of “tangible progress.” However, he pointed out that since July, Kyiv has not responded to Moscow’s proposals on a bilateral monitoring and ceasefire control center, three working groups, or Russia’s offer to elevate the level of delegations.

The remarks follow the conclusion of the second round of trilateral negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi on the conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the talks focused on the parameters for ending hostilities, while a media source noted that discussions also covered the establishment of “buffer zones” and various mechanisms for control.

By Vafa Guliyeva