Main points from the briefing of the Ukrainian delegation following the talks in Turkey
Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation – Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergiy Kyslytsya, and Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense Vadym Skibitskyi – spoke to the media about the outcomes of the negotiations with russian delegation in Istanbul.
Key points:
▫️ During the talks in Istanbul, an agreement was reached with russian side on a prisoner exchange in the format of 1000 for 1000. Lists of individuals to be returned home will be finalized in the near future.
▫️ Reaching agreement on even one issue — the prisoner exchange — is already a major achievement and an important result.
▫️ The parties will continue discussions on the issue of a ceasefire.
▫️ The President of Ukraine had anticipated high-level negotiations in Turkey. A meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and russia should be the next step.
▫️putin is the only person making decisions. Zelenskyy is ready to meet with putin, and Ukraine seeks progress – therefore, a leaders’ summit needs to be arranged.
▫️ During the talks, russian side raised issues that were unacceptable to Ukraine. The Ukrainian delegation was prepared for this and firmly maintained its position.
▫️ It is necessary to continue exerting pressure on russia so that Moscow finally takes real steps.
▫️ China and Brazil consistently support the idea of a ceasefire. Ukraine hopes they will use their voice to influence russia and help persuade russian leader to agree to a ceasefire.
▫️ Ukraine strives for peace and wants to end this war.
▫️ Ukraine is grateful to Turkey and President Erdogan for providing a platform for the negotiations.
