NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed "cautious optimism" on Thursday about a potential breakthrough in Ukraine negotiations, contingent on Russia taking the "next steps." Talks are scheduled in Istanbul on Thursday, but Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be in attendance.
Rutte stated that if the Russians, in addition to the Ukrainians, are willing to engage constructively, progress could be made in the next two weeks, according to Belga News Agency. He was speaking upon his arrival in Antalya, Turkey, for a NATO foreign ministers meeting.
He emphasised that for meaningful advancement in discussions, Russia must assume its responsibilities. Ukraine, on the other hand, is ready to commit to an immediate ceasefire and negotiations.
"The ball is now clearly in Russia's court," he reiterated. "It is now up to the Russians to ensure they take the next steps."
Russian delegation arrives in Turkey
The Russian delegation has now arrived in Istanbul for negotiations with Ukraine, according to the Russian state agency Ria Novosti.
Russian and Ukrainian delegations are expected in Istanbul on Thursday for their first direct talks since spring 2022, although the details of the meeting remain unclear as President Putin has declined to attend.
It is not yet confirmed when discussions with the Ukrainian delegation will commence, but Russian state news agency Tass suggests it could be around 09:00 Belgian time.
Putin proposed the talks in Istanbul following a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for an unconditional ceasefire, which was to take effect on Monday.
Until the last moment, there was uncertainty about Putin's potential attendance. Ultimately, it was announced on Wednesday night that the Russian delegation would be led by Vladimir Medinski, a former culture minister and Putin's adviser, who previously led talks in 2022.
