Russia, Ukraine continue behind-the-scenes talks in Istanbul

Russia and Ukraine are conducting behind-the-scenes negotiations in the Turkish capital, Istanbul, including discussions about the venue for a new official meeting between the delegations of the two countries, according to a diplomatic source in Istanbul.

“A behind-the-scenes negotiation process is underway, but there is no concrete progress yet. \[…] Istanbul is, of course, a convenient, proven, and well-established negotiation platform,” the source states, per Caliber.Az.

On May 16, the first direct talks between representatives of Russia and Ukraine since 2022 took place in Istanbul. The head of the Russian delegation, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky, said that Moscow was “satisfied” with the negotiations. The parties agreed to carry out a prisoner exchange on a “1000-for-1000” basis. The Ukrainian delegation requested direct talks between the heads of state, which Russia “took note of.”

By Khagan Isayev