“I don’t think it’s entirely rational to propose alternative venues at this time,” Rudenko stated when asked if there are other nations where the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine could be held.

The official also noted that some countries even consider the current Istanbul platform, on which both sides agree, to be the one that offers the opportunity to reach agreements.

Istanbul will host the second round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine this Monday. A source from the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that the delegations will meet at 1:00 p.m. (Istanbul time) at the Ciragan Palace, on the banks of the Bosphorus.

Last Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that the next round of direct talks between Moscow and Kiev will take place on June 2 in Istanbul, where Russia will present its terms of reference to a ceasefire agreement to the Ukrainian delegation.

The Russian and Ukrainian delegations resumed direct talks on May 16, for the first time in more than three years.

During the meeting, the parties agreed to a massive prisoner exchange under the 1,000-for-1,000 formula, which was completed in three successive rounds from May 23rd to 25th.

jrr/llp/ro/gfa