The war in Ukraine is currently centered in Istanbul. Bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine could take place there on Thursday. This meeting could be the first step towards peace. However, caution is necessary as Vladimir Putin has not confirmed his presence yet. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister has stated that the meeting must acknowledge the realities on the ground, specifically mentioning the incorporation of conquered territories into Russia, a detail that could hinder any agreement.
Finding an end to the war in Ukraine was a goal repeatedly mentioned by Donald Trump during the campaign that led him to the White House. The importance he places on the Istanbul meeting is evident as he plans to send two special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg.
Meanwhile, the European Union remains wary of Putin's intentions. German Chancellor Merz warned on Tuesday of the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia if there is no progress towards ending the war in Ukraine at the Istanbul meeting.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister states that the Istanbul meeting must acknowledge the incorporation of new territories into Russia
Without revealing whether Vladimir Putin will attend or not, the Russian agencies Ria and Tass have just released, as reported by Reuters, a statement from the Russian government regarding the talks in Istanbul.
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, those talks must acknowledge the realities "on the ground," including the incorporation of "new territories" into Russia.
Despite this, Ryabkov has stated that Russia is willing to engage in serious discussions with Ukraine, although he doubts if Kiev is willing to negotiate, as reported by Russian state news agencies. "It is premature to make predictions," Ryabkov said. "The question should be directed to the sponsors of the Kiev regime and Kiev itself: are they willing to negotiate?" The Russian official has shifted any responsibility to Ukraine. "We have a strong impression that, with the current approach, the word that can characterize the current line is no agreement," he said, as cited by the state news agency TASS and reported by Reuters.