ISTANPOOL: Russia-Ukraine peace talks have begun in Istanbul, Turkey, without even greeting each other. The talks began in the office of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has said the talks, which began in Istanbul, are aimed at halting the ceasefire. This is the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries in two weeks. But no great progress is expected in the discussion.
Erdogan said he was “deeply saddened” by the continuing conflict. He added that as a country that shares friendship with both countries, it has a duty to mediate in peace talks. Erdogan added that preventing the catastrophe was in the hands of both sides.
Ukraine’s priority in the peace talks in Turkey is to achieve a ceasefire without relinquishing the capital, Kia, or Ukraine’s sovereignty. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has said he does not intend to sell the country’s people, land or sovereignty.
Turkey is a NATO country with good relations with Russia. Erdogan opposed Western sanctions against Russia.
