Moscow - Saba:
Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Russian presidency, stated on Tuesday that Russia continues to prepare for direct negotiations with Ukraine, scheduled to take place this Thursday in Istanbul, Turkey.
In his remarks, Peskov said that Russia intends to announce its delegation for the talks with Ukraine once President Vladimir Putin deems it necessary.
When asked whether European leaders would have a place at the negotiating table in Turkey, Peskov responded, "If we speak generally about Europe's participation in such pivotal negotiations, Europe stands entirely on Ukraine's side and cannot claim to follow a neutral or balanced approach."
Last Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed an initiative to resume direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul without any preconditions, in response to a Ukrainian and European suggestion for direct negotiations—provided that Russia agrees to a 30-day ceasefire.
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