Fresh talks between Ukraine and Russia have begun in Constantinople, with Kiev seeking a ceasefire, but without compromising on its sovereignty or territorial integrity – and with both sides playing down hopes of an early breakthrough.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan opened the talks at the Dolmabahçe palace, urging both sides to “…put an end to this tragedy”.
Ukrainian media said the talks – with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in attendance – started with a “…a cold welcome, and no handshake”.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a political adviser to Ukrainian president Volodymr Zelenskiy, said delegations were working on the entire spectrum of contentious issues.
Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said he was at least hoping for an end to Ukraine’s humanitarian devastation, while the maximum goal would be a ceasefire, adding however, “…We are not trading people, land or sovereignty.”
