Russia Calls on Ukraine: Ready to Resume Peace Talks in Istanbul
Russia has declared its readiness to resume peace negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. Moscow called on Kyiv to honor past agreements and return to the negotiation table.
Yerel Gündem 
Russia Calls on Ukraine: Ready to Resume Peace Talks in Istanbul
LOCAL AGENDA / MOSCOW
Zakharova: "Russian Delegation Ready for Third Round in Istanbul"
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced during a press briefing in Moscow that Russia is prepared to send a delegation to Istanbul for a potential third round of peace negotiations with Ukraine. "We hope Kyiv will remain committed to the process," Zakharova said, renewing Moscow's call for dialogue.
The statement comes amid ongoing hostilities and heightened military support for Ukraine from the West, adding fresh context to the long-stalled negotiation efforts.
"Kyiv Avoiding Talks or Not Ready"
Zakharova emphasized that, so far, Ukraine has not made any formal request for new negotiations. "Ukraine is either avoiding the talks or simply not ready for them," she said. Despite this, she reiterated Russia's readiness to proceed: "Our team is prepared to go to Istanbul for the third round. We hope Kyiv will act in accordance with the agreements reached so far."
These comments are seen as an attempt to revive diplomatic momentum, especially after previous rounds of talks hosted in Turkey in 2022 ended inconclusively.
Istanbul Still on the Table as a Neutral Venue
In 2022, Türkiye hosted the only direct peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine since the start of the war, positioning itself as a key mediator. Zakharova's renewed reference to Istanbul signals Russia’s continued support for Turkish-led diplomacy and acknowledges the city’s symbolic role as neutral ground.
Whether Ukraine will accept the offer remains to be seen, but the mention of Istanbul underscores Türkiye's ongoing strategic relevance in the region.
"We Reserve the Right to Strike Military Targets in Supportive Nations"
In a sharp warning directed at Germany and its military aid to Ukraine, Zakharova claimed that the planned production of long-range missile systems on Ukrainian soil—allegedly with German assistance—could trigger Russian countermeasures.
"If weapons are used against Russia, we reserve the right to strike the military facilities of those nations supplying them," she said, adding that any escalation would be met with a "proportional response."
Moldova Accused of Becoming "Another Ukraine"
Turning her attention to Moldova, Zakharova alleged that NATO is actively militarizing the country and preparing it for a proxy role similar to Ukraine. “They are preparing Moldova to play the role of a second Ukraine,” she warned.
She also noted that Russia is closely monitoring developments in the breakaway Transnistria region, which declared independence unilaterally. “We are prepared to respond accordingly to any destabilizing scenarios in the region,” she added.
On Lebanon: "Our Position Remains Unchanged"
Zakharova responded to claims that the United States is exerting pressure on Lebanon, asserting that Russia supports the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Our position has not changed. We stand with Lebanon’s independence,” she said.
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