Vladimir Zelensky announced Ukraine’s participation in the negotiations in Istanbul, which will be conducted with the direct involvement of the Russian side
The head of state informed that the Ukrainian delegation will be led by Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, and the country is actively preparing for the negotiation meeting scheduled for Monday. He stated this on Sunday in his official post on Telegram, and additional information was also shared by "European Pravda." According to Zelensky, the decision to take part in the negotiations was made after a large meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the General Staff, the Security Service, and intelligence agencies. Participants discussed not only the format of the negotiations but also clearly defined the core positions of the Ukrainian side, which are to become the basis for future negotiation processes in Istanbul. The head of state emphasized that Ukraine’s main priority is to achieve three key objectives. The first is the complete and unconditional ceasefire across the entire country, which will help reduce human losses and stabilize the frontlines. The second important point is the liberation of Ukrainian prisoners still held by the enemy and the return of abducted children, which is both a humanitarian and moral necessity. The third is creating prerequisites for establishing a long-term and reliable peace, for which appropriate guarantees and agreements need to be developed to ensure the safety of the Ukrainian people and state for the long term. Zelensky also added that the Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul will be led by Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. He emphasized that this step demonstrates the importance and seriousness of the Ukrainian authorities’ intentions to seek a peaceful resolution and restore stability in Ukraine. It is expected that on Monday, during the meeting in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation will present its positions regarding the cessation of hostilities, as well as detailed proposals on prisoner exchanges and other important humanitarian issues. The main goal of the Ukrainian side is to reach a compromise that will pave the way for a political settlement of the conflict and restore peace to the country, while preserving the sovereignty and security of the Ukrainian people. This is the first serious step in negotiations since the start of military actions, and the outcome will determine the further course of the conflict, as well as the possible prospects for peace, which Ukraine desperately needs after nearly a year of war.