It is still uncertain whether Ukraine will join the next peace talks. Turkey wants to organize the talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States again in Istanbul, but Ukraine will only send a delegation if Russia first comes up with a peace proposal.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who visited Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier this week, is optimistic about the progress of the talks between Ukraine and Russia. “Both parties want a ceasefire,” he said on Friday, while en route to Kyiv. Later in the day, he will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky there.
Russia has proposed to continue talks in Istanbul next Monday. Fidan has indicated that Turkey is willing to organize that meeting between the presidents of Ukraine, Russia, and the US.
But Ukraine wants Russian proposals for a peace agreement first. “It is important to receive a document in advance to ensure that the meeting is substantive and meaningful,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said at a press conference on Friday. Only then will the Ukrainian delegation have the opportunity “to discuss the relevant positions.” As far as is known, no deadline has yet been set.
Turkey hosted the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in about three years earlier this month. Zelensky had already wanted to sit down with Putin himself then, but the Russian president turned down the invitation. However, the delegations discussed a possible future meeting between the two leaders.