Russia's ceasefire condition: Ukraine to withdraw from 5 regions

A claim has emerged regarding the ceasefire negotiations held in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia.

An unnamed Ukrainian source has claimed that the Russian delegation at the negotiations has made the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk regions a condition for a ceasefire.

The source stated, "The Russian delegation indicated that a ceasefire would only take place after this withdrawal," noting that these demands go beyond the draft peace agreement proposed by the US following consultations with Moscow last month.

"SHOULD BE CONDUCTED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS"

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov left questions regarding the Ukrainian side's statements unanswered, while stating that the negotiations should be conducted "entirely behind closed doors."

Peskov noted that the next step would be the realization of a prisoner exchange and further work between the parties.

Stating that a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is possible, Peskov expressed that "specific agreements" must be reached for this to happen, but that he would not disclose what those agreements are.

News Source: İHA