Russian Delegation Accused of Creating 'Picture of Diplomacy' in Istanbul

It would be too early at the moment to discuss a next round of talks in Istanbul between Ukraine and the Russian Federation because the lack of sufficient international pressure on Russia is hindering political progress, although the humanitarian track is moving forward.

This was stated at a briefing on Tuesday, June 10, by the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heorhiy Tykhyi, CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

"As of now, it is too early to talk about any preparation (for the third round of talks in Istanbul - ed.)," Tykhyi noted.

He added that the process of exchanging prisoners of war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation is ongoing, although it is highly complicated, and the issue of extracting the bodies of the fallen soldiers is also moving forward. In parallel lines, Ukraine calls on partners to increase pressure on Russia as soon as possible.

"If this pressure had been there earlier, we would have already been ready to consider these Istanbul meetings. Instead, since there is no pressure, we see empty meetings. There is a humanitarian track, but it is the track that had already been there because the Russians are also interested. And in order for there to be some movement on the political path and a diplomatic settlement, pressure is needed – there are no other options," the Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized.

As reported earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia had not yet responded to the constructive proposals for a ceasefire submitted by Ukraine in Istanbul, limiting itself to ultimatums, so it is necessary to increase sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation and deal a crushing blow to its key economy sectors.

First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya stated that the Russian delegation is participating in the peace talks in Istanbul not with the aim of achieving peace, but to create the illusion of a peacemaking stance and avoid new sanctions from the U.S. and the European Union.

On June 2, the second round of talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, assessed the actions of the Russian delegation during the talks as an attempt to create a “picture of diplomacy” for the U.S. without real action.