The meeting between Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine will begin at 12:30 p.m. (Moscow time) in the presidential work office in Dolmabahce Palace. Prior to the meeting, at 10:45 a.m. (Moscow time), a similar contact will be held between Turkey, the United States, and Ukraine.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Öncü Keçeli did not rule out the possibility that the Russian and Ukrainian delegations will engage in direct dialogue this Friday for the first time in more than three years.

Sputnik news agency confirmed that the Russian team will be waiting for the other side to arrive at the negotiating table starting at 10:00 a.m.

According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russia is seriously committed to a lasting peace and aims to eliminate the causes of the conflict and secure its national interests.

The Russian team, which is already in Istanbul, is headed by presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky and includes, among others, Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin, and the head of the Russian General Staff, Igor Kostyukov.

As Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced Thursday, the Ukrainian delegation will be led by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and will be composed of professionals, military personnel, and intelligence agents.

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