In Russia, an official statement announced that the first steps have already been taken to organize the next meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations for negotiations
According to Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation at the talks in Istanbul, Moscow has made a specific proposal regarding the date and location of the upcoming negotiations, as well as expressed readiness to exchange documents to facilitate the resolution of the conflict. Medinsky noted that a recent conversation with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov regarding future negotiations took place in a constructive manner. He stated that Russia has proposed to the Ukrainian side to determine a specific time and place for the exchange of memoranda, which is an important step forward in the negotiations. At the same time, a Ukrainian expert, cited in relevant sources, reports that the Ukrainian side is currently "consulting" on the proposed suggestions, and Russia will await a response as soon as possible in this process. This indicates a certain level of openness and willingness to engage in further dialogue, although the process is still in the initial stage of agreement. Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that in Istanbul, they casually agreed to directly exchange documents outlining their positions for a final settlement of the situation. She emphasized that the two sides are no longer conducting broad negotiations through the mediation of other countries, including the United States, and that all matters concerning the exchange of memorandum drafts will be resolved directly between Ukraine and Russia. Thus, the official Russian stance emphasizes readiness for further dialogue and the search for a resolution to the conflict without third-party involvement. However, no specific date or place for new negotiations has yet been announced, and according to Russian officials, the Ukrainian side has been offered the opportunity to consider and discuss these issues in the near future. Internal consultations are ongoing in Kyiv, and it is possible that more details regarding further steps in this diplomatic standoff, which currently keeps the world on edge and in anticipation, will become known later.