Russia-Ukraine talks begin in Istanbul

Russia-Ukraine talks begin in Istanbul

The fresh round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine brokered by Turkey started in Istanbul on Tuesday.

In an address to the delegations of Russia and Ukraine before their meeting at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed that the conflict in Ukraine is "very upsetting" for Turkey.

Erdogan expressed hope that if there is progress at the meeting in Istanbul, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine could reach the next stage.

The Turkish leader also emphasised that "everyone is interested in a ceasefire [in Ukraine] being established as soon as possible". "We believe that we have entered a period when concrete results should be obtained from negotiations. The world is waiting for good news from you. We are ready for any contribution that will facilitate your work", the Turkish president said.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators arrived in the city on Monday.

Earlier, Erdogan said he will sit down with both sides for a "short meeting" before the peace talks. He also said phone talks with his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts are continuing in a "favorable direction."

Several rounds of talks between Russia and Ukraine have been held in Belarus so far, and the last talks were held via video link on March 14, with no concrete results achieved yet.

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