0
0
Delegations from Russia and Ukraine have resumed negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. However, there were no shaking hands in Istanbul; it was reported on Ukrainian television.
Ukrainian negotiator and presidential adviser Mikhailo Podoljak said on Twitter that the basics of the negotiation process are the main talking point. But work is underway on “the whole spectrum of contentious topics”.
Prior to the round of negotiations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had spoken to his Russian and Ukrainian colleagues. He reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and that both sides benefit from quickly silencing the weapons.
Results are not expected to be achieved quickly at the presidential Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. Wealthy Russian businessman Roman Abramovich is also reportedly present there, acting as an intermediary at the request of the Kyiv government.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that he and at least two senior members of the Ukrainian delegation had symptoms of possible poisoning, but that has been contradicted by Ukraine and the US.
Foreign Minister Dmitro Koeleba warned the negotiators not to eat or drink and preferably not to touch anything, and he told Sky News.
