Russia, Ukraine to hold 4th face-to-face ceasefire talks in Turkey, Erdogan calls for ‘result’

Ukrainian and Russian officials are holding face-to-face talks in Istanbul, Turkey, attended by Kyiv says its top priority from the discussions is to secure an immediate ceasefire, but both sides have played down the prospect of any breakthrough.

Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine have arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, to hold the fourth round of face-to-face ceasefire talks on Tuesday.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on local TV on Monday that Ukrainian negotiators aim to at least resolve humanitarian issues. He said their main goal is to reach a ceasefire agreement and that they will not trade people, land, or sovereignty.

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, a close aide to President Vladimir Putin, said on Monday that the military operation is not aimed at seeking a change of government in Ukraine. He said it’s to protect people from genocide and to demilitarize and “denazify” Ukraine.

His remarks are believed to be a sign that Moscow will continue ceasefire negotiations with the Ukrainian government under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as it faces unexpected difficulties in the war.

The Russian military has indicated it will step up operations in the east of Ukraine and is intensifying its offense to capture the key port city of Mariupol.

A senior US Department of Defense official said on Monday that Mariupol is surrounded by Russian forces and is under intense pressure, while Ukrainian troops have recaptured a town in the northeast of the country.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces have retaken control of Irpin, a key town located near the capital, Kyiv.