Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine met for face-to-face negotiations three weeks since their last meeting.
The negotiations took place in Turkey on Tuesday at Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace. Ukrainian officials are primarily seeking security guarantees for Ukraine and a ceasefire.
“Only with this agreement can we end the war in a way that Ukraine needs,” said Ukrainian adviser and negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak, according to Deutsche Welle.
These negotiations have arisen as demands have shifted between the two nations. Russian officials said that the country is no longer seeking the “de-Nazification” and “demilitarization” of Ukraine. They are now also open to allowing Ukraine to join the European Union as long as it does not attempt to join NATO.
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Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich was also seen attending the talks, according to photos posted by Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency on Telegram. Abramovich’s attendance was notable after reports emerged yesterday that he and several Ukrainian negotiators suffered from poisoning symptoms earlier this month.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has called on Ukraine and Russia to reach clear agreements regarding the safe evacuation of civilians from heavily devastated areas such as Mariupol.
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Russian officials have also alleged that Ukraine’s military presence has “degraded.” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed on Tuesday that Ukraine’s military abilities have “seriously degraded” and alleged that the first phase of Moscow’s military operations had been completed. Shoigu also emphasized that Moscow would respond appropriately if NATO provided planes and air defenses to Ukraine.
