A Russian delegation departed for Istanbul on Sunday ahead of scheduled peace talks with Ukraine set to take place on Monday, according to Russian state news agencies citing unnamed sources.

“The negotiation team has left for Istanbul,” a source told the TASS news agency, without providing further details regarding the delegation’s composition or agenda.

The announcement follows a statement earlier on Sunday by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming that a Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, would also travel to Istanbul for the talks.

Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s key demands, which include an unconditional ceasefire, the release of detainees, and the repatriation of abducted children.

This round of talks follows a previous meeting held in Istanbul in May, where the two sides reached a landmark agreement to exchange 2,000 prisoners — a development that raised hopes for renewed diplomatic engagement despite ongoing hostilities on the ground.