Maria Zakharova: Russia-Ukraine Talks Postponed by Turkish Initiative

The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have been postponed, according to Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. The talks are now expected to take place later in the afternoon. There is currently no precise information regarding the composition of the Ukrainian delegation, which is anticipated to meet with the Russian side, as reported by the Turkish network NTV. The negotiations in Istanbul will occur at the same venue where previous discussions took place three years ago, stated a source familiar with the organization of the meeting to TASS. Approximately 50 journalists from around the world await the encounter between Russia and Ukraine at the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin decided on the composition of the delegation that traveled to Istanbul on Thursday for the scheduled direct talks with the Ukrainian side. Leading the delegation is Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to Putin who previously headed the unsuccessful peace negotiations with Ukraine in 2022 during the early months of the Russian invasion. Also attending will be Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, diplomats, and intelligence officers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan before making a decision about the talks with Russia in Istanbul, according to a Ukrainian official speaking to Reuters.