Russian delegation head addresses media in Istanbul before heading to palace where talks with Ukraine are planned

Shortly after Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that Ukraine would send a delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to meet with a Russian delegation in Istanbul, Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky gave a statement to journalists outside the city’s Russian consulate.

Medinsky said Russia views direct talks with Ukraine as a continuation of the peace process that was interrupted in 2022. The goal of the negotiations, he added, is to “eventually reach a lasting peace by addressing the root causes of the conflict.”

He said that the Russian delegation has the necessary authority and expertise to conduct negotiations. Earlier in the day, Zelensky had criticized the level of the representatives Russia was sending, calling them a “prop” delegation.

Medinsky declined to answer questions following his statement.

Soon afterward, Russian state media reported that the Russian delegation was en route to Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, where the talks are set to take place. Zelensky confirmed earlier that Umerov was also on his way to Istanbul and said the meeting would take place either Thursday evening or Friday.

Zelensky said the main topic of discussion would be a possible ceasefire.