Russian delegation must have mandate for real ceasefire talks – FM Sybiha

This was stated by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a joint press conference in Kyiv with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, a Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Ukrainian top diplomat noted that following two prior meetings between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul, there had been significant progress on issues such as prisoner exchanges, the return of children, and other confidence-building measures.

“For these reasons, this negotiation process is important and deserves to continue. President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine is ready — we are not an obstacle to peace, and we never have been or will be. We are insisting on a ceasefire. And it is crucial that, if these potential meetings proceed and a date is agreed, the other side must have a mandate to discuss the most important issues — ending the war and achieving a ceasefire,” said Sybiha.

He emphasized that the Ukrainian side has yet to see such readiness from Russia, which is why Ukraine has proposed that any strategic discussions should take place at the level of Presidents Zelensky and Putin, with the involvement of the U.S. and Turkish presidents, as well as European leaders.

“We believe such developments would undoubtedly influence the further dynamics of achieving a ceasefire,” the minister stressed.

As Ukrinform previously reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov preparations for the next prisoner exchange and a meeting with the Russian side, which is planned to take place on Wednesday in Türkiye.