Russia claims readiness for Istanbul talks to shift responsibility for failed dialogue
The aftermath of Russian combined attack on Dnipro (Photo: REUTERS/Mykola Synelnykov)
Russia is ready to begin negotiations with Ukraine “at any moment,” including in Istanbul, Aleksey Ivanov, Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Turkiye claimed, propaganda outlet TASS wrote on Nov. 11.
"Moscow has repeatedly emphasized its readiness for direct talks with the Ukrainian delegation, while the Turkish side confirms that the Istanbul platform remains available for these meetings," he alleged.
He also claimed that Ukraine has not responded to Russia’s proposal to create three joint working groups online, but assured that as soon as Kyiv “shows interest,” the Russian side “will be ready for negotiations at any time.”
Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, stressed readiness for an unconditional ceasefire, but, as Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, sees “no steps toward peace” from Moscow.
On Oct. 16, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, after which he announced a new meeting in Budapest.
The talks, expected within two weeks, were to involve Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
On Oct. 17, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Putin indeed plans to meet with Trump, but said the talks would require “careful preparation.”
On Oct. 20, Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed “next steps” toward continuing U.S.-Russia negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine.
On Oct. 21, CNN, citing a White House official, reported that the planned meeting between the U.S. and Russian foreign ministers has been postponed indefinitely.
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