Russia says progress on peace talks depends on Kyiv, Washington’s efforts

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - The progress of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine depends on Kyiv and Washington’s efforts in this regard, the Kremlin spokesman said.

“A great deal depends, naturally, on the position of the Kyiv regime. It depends on how effectively Washington's mediation efforts will continue,” Dmitry Peskov said in remarks aired by Belarus 1 TV on Sunday.

Recalling that Russia’s position in this regard is “well known,” Peskov said the situation on the ground cannot be ignored and must be taken into account.

He said Moscow hopes the date for the third round of negotiations will be determined “in the very next few days.”

Last week, Peskov said the date for the third round of talks will be determined after completing all procedures related to the prisoner exchanges agreed upon during the second Istanbul peace talks earlier this month.

On June 2, Istanbul hosted the second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks, after the first round on May 16.

At the latest talks, both sides agreed to exchange additional prisoners of war – prioritizing the youngest and most severely wounded – and to return the bodies of 6,000 soldiers from each side. The two sides also exchanged their peace memorandums outlining a possible resolution to the more than three-year-long conflict.

Multiple swaps have taken place since then, with the most recent on June 26.