TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Russian spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the main issue in the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine is the possibility of signing a potential agreement. Peskov confirmed that Russia is preparing a list of conditions for a ceasefire that will soon be presented to Ukraine.
"Indeed, (the Russian and Ukrainian delegations) agreed (at Friday’s meeting in Istanbul) to exchange lists of ceasefire conditions. Work is ongoing. The Russian side will prepare and deliver such a list, and it will be exchanged with Ukraine," Peskov said at a press conference in Moscow on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
As reported by Anadolu, Peskov refused to disclose any specific terms being discussed. He emphasized that the negotiations are ongoing and must be conducted in secret.
When asked about the possibility of a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine, a request by Kyiv, Peskov said the meeting could happen if progress is made in the negotiations.
"We consider it possible, but only as a result of the delegations’ work and once agreements have been reached. At the same time, a fundamental issue for us is who exactly will sign these agreements on behalf of Ukraine," he said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's term of office ended on May 20, 2024, but the 2024 presidential election in Ukraine was canceled due to a military emergency and general mobilization.
On February 25, the Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Rada, issued a resolution supporting the expansion of Zelensky's authority after the first-round vote the day before failed.
Peskov also said Russia has had no contact with the United States after the Istanbul talks this week. However, he promised to inform the public if a conversation between President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is scheduled.
Regarding the future of peace negotiations, Peskov urged all parties to focus on implementing the agreements that have been reached. He emphasized the importance of implementing the first major step, which is the exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war from each side.
In response to Zelensky's criticism of the Russian delegation, especially his claim that the delegation's level is inadequate, Peskov said Moscow has no plans to change its negotiating team. He noted that the negotiations have just resumed.
After more than three years of suspended dialogue, Russia and Ukraine resumed direct peace negotiations in Istanbul on Friday, May 16, 2025.
The discussions resulted in an agreement to carry out the largest prisoner exchange since the conflict began and to begin exchanging proposals on how a potential ceasefire can be arranged and implemented.
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