Putin: Istanbul talks to remain bilateral between Russia and Ukraine

Anadolu Agency

Russian President Vladimir Putin told US President Donald Trump during a phone call that the peace negotiations held in Istanbul will remain bilateral, involving only representatives from Russia and Ukraine.

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, the roughly one-hour call between Putin and Trump included Putin expressing Russia’s readiness for a third round of talks, though no specific dates or terms were discussed.

Putin also updated Trump on the implementation of humanitarian agreements reached in Istanbul, which include prisoner exchanges and the handover of bodies of deceased servicemen.

Ushakov stated that “we are ready to continue the negotiation process,” but the content of a potential third round remains undecided.

The first two rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, resulting in initial memorandums aimed at conflict resolution.

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