Zelenskyy says Ukrainian defense minister to lead delegation at 2nd round of Istanbul talks

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said that Defense Minister Rustem Umerov will be leading his country’s delegation in the planned second round of direct negotiations with Russia in Istanbul on Monday.

“We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state, and our people. I outlined the tasks for the near term and also defined our positions ahead of the meeting in Istanbul on Monday,” Zelenskyy said on X.

“First – a full and unconditional ceasefire. Second – the release of prisoners. Third – the return of abducted children. And in order to establish a reliable and lasting peace and ensure security, preparation of the meeting at the highest level. The key issues can only be resolved by the leaders.

Umerov led Ukraine's delegation during the first round of negotiations in the Turkish metropolis on May 16. The talks led to the largest prisoner swap of the over three-year-long conflict, which involved 1,000 prisoners from each side.