Russia names territorial issue as 'primary objective' in Ukraine talks

A Russian Foreign Ministry official has declared that addressing the territorial dispute is the paramount issue in negotiations with Ukraine, framing it as an indispensable condition for any lasting peace agreement according to terms discussed with the United States.

Insistence on the 'Anchorage Formula'

Alexey Polischuk, director of the ministry's 2nd Department for CIS Countries, stated in an interview that Moscow insists on adhering to the "Anchorage Formula." This refers to the understanding reached between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump during their August 2025 summit in Alaska. "Currently, the primary objective... is to resolve the territorial issue according to the Anchorage Formula, without which a long-term settlement is unattainable," Polischuk said, adding the need to eliminate security threats to Russia from Ukrainian territory.

Broader Demands and Appreciation for Türkiye

Beyond territory, Polischuk listed other core Russian demands: restoring Ukraine's non-aligned, neutral, and non-nuclear status; ensuring language and religious rights for Russian speakers and minorities; and rejecting what Moscow calls "neo-Nazi ideology." When asked about resuming talks in Istanbul, the diplomat expressed Moscow's openness and gratitude, stating, "We remain open to continuing the dialogue and greatly appreciate Türkiye's hospitality."

Blame on Kyiv for Stalled Istanbul Process

Polischuk dismissed Ukraine's November 2025 suspension of the Istanbul talks due to "lack of tangible progress" as a "contrived" explanation. He claimed that since July of that year, Kyiv had failed to respond to Russian proposals concerning ceasefire monitoring and working groups. "In short, the ball is on the Ukrainian side," he emphasized. The Istanbul track, hosted by Türkiye with US facilitation in mid-2025, had facilitated prisoner swaps and draft memoranda but failed to achieve a ceasefire.