Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who is leading Ukraine’s delegation in Istanbul, has announced that Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire and direct negotiations at the highest level. This statement followed his talks with advisors to the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom,
Ukrinform reports.
The Minister shared the update via Facebook, as reported by Ukrinform.
“We coordinated our positions with our colleagues ahead of today’s meeting with the Russian delegation in Istanbul. The Ukrainian side reaffirmed its commitment to peace efforts, highlighting the constructive steps taken in recent weeks and months. We are ready for a full and unconditional ceasefire, as we previously stated during meetings in Jeddah and Riyadh with our American partners. Ukraine is prepared for direct negotiations at the highest level. Today we came to Istanbul to find real paths to a sustainable and just peace,” said Umerov.
He emphasized that peace is only possible if Russia demonstrates readiness to take concrete actions — including a full 30-day ceasefire and humanitarian measures such as the return of forcibly deported Ukrainian children and a full prisoner exchange under the “all-for-all” formula.
“We are grateful to our partners — the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany — for their support in advancing the peace process. We also thank Türkiye for facilitating today’s meeting, for providing a platform for negotiations, and for its active role in helping achieve a just peace for Ukraine,” the Defense Minister added.
