An advisor to the Ukrainian president stated that discussions on security guarantees and arranging a ceasefire are currently ongoing in the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Turkey, aimed at addressing humanitarian issues. Advisor Mykhailo Podolyak mentioned via Ukrainian television: "Intensive consultations are currently taking place on some important issues, the most important of which is an agreement on international guarantees for Ukraine's security, because with this agreement we will be able to end the war as Ukraine needs."
He added: "The second issue is a ceasefire to address all the escalating humanitarian problems." He explained that another challenge is the "escalation of the war," which involves what he described as "violations of the rules of war," without providing further details.
On Tuesday, a new round of stalled talks commenced between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency. This is the first time that delegates from both countries have met in Turkey since their arrival on Monday, following several rounds of video talks.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the negotiators and urged them to "put an end to this tragedy," referring to the Russian attack on Ukraine that began on February 24. Erdoğan added: "Both sides have legitimate concerns, and it is possible to reach a solution acceptable to the international community." He emphasized that "it is up to both parties to put an end to this tragedy," noting that "the expansion of the conflict is not in anyone's interest." He continued: "The whole world is waiting for good news from you."
Turkey hosted the first meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers in Antalya on March 10 since the beginning of the Russian attack, but no ceasefire agreement or any other breakthrough resulted from that meeting.
