Istanbul: The Head of the Russian delegation to the Istanbul negotiations, Vladimir Medinsky, affirmed that the goal of the talks with Ukraine is to eliminate the main causes of the crisis and establish lasting peace.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Medinsky explained in a press statement in front of the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting regarding the preparation of the delegation that will participate in the negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, and that Moscow defined its position during the meeting.

He added that the current negotiations are viewed as a continuation of the peace talks that Ukraine suspended in 2022. Medinsky pointed out that the Russian delegation was approved by presidential decree and has full authority to continue the negotiations.

Medinsky continued by stating that the delegation intends to work constructively and find possible solutions and common ground. He stressed that the main goal of direct negotiations with Ukraine is to eliminate the main causes of the crisis and ultimately achieve lasting peace.