Russia will only talk to Ukraine on the Istanbul agreements – Russian Presidential Spokesman Peskov

This was reported by the Telegram channel Kremlin. News.

According to Peskov, Russia allegedly remains open to negotiations on Ukraine and supports ‘peace initiatives’ proposed by countries of the Global South and BRICS partners such as China, India, Brazil, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

‘Our position on Ukraine is well known. The conditions for an immediate cessation of hostilities were outlined by President Putin in June this year in his speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry,’ he said.

Peskov also stressed that the negotiations are not taking place because Ukraine has refused to engage in them.

‘It is important to recall that it was Ukraine that refused to negotiate and continues to refuse. Moreover, Zelenskyy has banned himself and his administration from any contact with the Russian leadership by his decree. This position has not changed,’ he said.

In order to resume peaceful dialogue, Peskov believes that Ukraine needs to cancel this decree and return to negotiations based on the Istanbul agreements, taking into account the real situation on the ground.

• According to the NYT, during the 2022 talks in Istanbul, Russia demanded that Ukraine abandon its NATO membership and accept the occupation of part of its territory.