Russia expects to pick up disrupted peace negotiation with Ukraine

MOSCOW -- Russia views the fresh negotiation with Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkiye, as a "continuation" of the peace process disrupted in 2022, Russia's chief negotiator said on Thursday.

The main objective of the delegation is to secure lasting peace and eliminate the underlying causes of the Ukraine conflict, said Russian Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky, who led the country's delegation.

Medinsky noted that the delegation, which was approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin's order, has the necessary competencies to conduct negotiations.

The diplomat said the Russian team is focused on "finding possible solutions" and common ground through a constructive approach.

In a statement on Sunday, Putin proposed the resumption of direct negotiations with Ukraine on Thursday in Istanbul. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said he is open to a face-to-face meeting with Putin.

According to a Kremlin statement on Wednesday, Putin was not on the list of the delegation heading for the negotiations. Zelensky said on Thursday he would not attend the peace talks in Istanbul, though Kiev will send a delegation there.

The last direct talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul in March 2022, where the two sides failed to agree to halt the fighting.