Russia-Ukraine Talks: Moscow Demands More Territory in Istanbul Peace Bid

Every journey begins with a single step. This is the beginning of the journey. Demands are always exaggerated at the start of any negotiations. That's classic,

the source said

Vladimir Pastukhovrussian political analyst

You don't send undertakers to a wedding,

Vladimir Pastukhov, a Russian political analyst, said of Medinsky's nomination as delegation head, alluding to his role on the Russian delegation in the failed 2022 talks

I do think that they are a very hopeful sign, because the two sides coming into direct contact is an important development,

he said

We agreed that pressure on Moscow must be strengthened to achieve a full and durable ceasefire, stop the killing, and advance peace efforts."

Quote from Sybiha

Sergiy Kyslytsyafirst Deputy Foreign Minister

The pressure on the Russian Federation must continue. We should not really relax at this point."

Ukraine's first deputy foreign minister, Serhii Kyslytsia, declared

We haven't received a Russian 'yes' on this basic point,

stated Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhii after discussions, reports the Mirror

It was not Russia that broke off negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv. Nevertheless, we are proposing that Kyiv resume direct negotiations without any preconditions."

He referred to unsuccessful negotiations following the Russian invasion in 2022, stating