– Russia confirmed on Thursday its readiness to participate in a second round of direct ceasefire talks with Ukraine, scheduled to take place in Istanbul next Monday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax, that the talks “could provide an opportunity to discuss proposals from both sides,” signaling Moscow’s openness to negotiations aimed at ending the war that has lasted over three years.

The announcement follows a call by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha on Wednesday evening for Russia to immediately submit a memorandum of understanding outlining its terms for a ceasefire.

“The only talks that can lead to tangible results are those that are well-prepared,” Sybiha said, according to the German Press Agency (DPA), emphasizing the importance of a clear and structured approach ahead of the meeting.

The planned talks are viewed as a potential breakthrough in the protracted conflict, which has caused significant human and material losses and triggered wider geopolitical tensions across Eastern Europe.