During talks with Russia in Istanbul, the Ukrainian side will insist on an unconditional ceasefire, the discussion of humanitarian issues, the return of abducted children, and a prisoner exchange.
This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky during his opening remarks at the summit in Vilnius.
"I’ll add that the Ukrainian delegation is currently in Istanbul. I spoke with my Minister of Defense. He said they are preparing for the meeting. I’m not sure Russia is ready for any productive conversation, but we will insist on an unconditional ceasefire, the discussion of humanitarian issues, the return of children, and the exchange of prisoners," he said.
Zelensky also noted that the issue of civilian captives, journalists, and political prisoners would be raised.
"For us, bringing them home is critically important. This is the top priority," he emphasized.
"We must do everything to ensure diplomacy is not hollow. Our delegation is now in Istanbul, and we are ready to take all necessary steps toward peace. The first step is humanitarian action: the release of children and prisoners of war. All of this can be achieved at the level of leadership. If Russia undermines this initial agenda and Istanbul yields no results, it will clearly mean we urgently need the 18th package of sanctions from the EU and the U.S. Sanctions against the Russian Federation must target oil pricing, as well as the banking and financial sectors," Zelensky stated.
President Zelensky arrived in Vilnius for the Bucharest Nine and Northern Europe summit.
The second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is taking place in Istanbul today. The meeting is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at the Çırağan Palace.
