Kremlin says next Russia-Ukraine-US talks may be held in Istanbul

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced Wednesday that the next round of Russia-Ukraine-US talks may be held in Istanbul, signaling continued diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov stated that all participants in the negotiations on Ukraine have a positive attitude towards Istanbul as a negotiation platform, making the Turkish city a likely venue for continued consultations.

Istanbul option

"Of course, the Istanbul option exists, and all parties have a very positive attitude towards it," Peskov noted. The remarks suggest that Türkiye's capital could host the next trilateral meetings, building on Istanbul's history as a venue for previous rounds of Russia-Ukraine talks earlier in the war. Türkiye has maintained diplomatic engagement with both sides throughout the conflict, positioning itself as a potential mediator.

UAE role

Peskov also thanked the leadership of the UAE for their assistance in organizing previous rounds of talks and for the atmosphere created during those sessions. "Of course, everyone highly appreciates the atmosphere that the Emirati authorities created for these trilateral negotiations, and everyone remains grateful to the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for their assistance in organizing the negotiation process," he said.

Internet outages

Turning to domestic matters, Peskov addressed ongoing Internet outages in Russia, stating they will continue "as long as necessary" to ensure "safety." The comment reflects Moscow's continued efforts to control information space amid the war and regional tensions.

Conflict context

The potential talks come as the war in Ukraine continues into its third year, with no resolution in sight. Meanwhile, the Middle East conflict involving US-Israeli strikes on Iran has added another layer of regional instability, potentially affecting diplomatic dynamics and international attention.