Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Moscow remains prepared to resume peace negotiations with Ukraine based on the agreements reached during the Istanbul talks, discussions held in Anchorage and the current situation on the ground.
Speaking at a meeting with government officials, Putin said the negotiation process had been halted at Ukraine’s initiative.
“Russia is ready for peace talks with Ukraine—based on the agreements reached in Istanbul,” Putin said. “Based on the agreements reached in Istanbul, on the modalities discussed in Anchorage, and, most importantly, on the realities on the ground.”
Putin also accused Ukraine of attempting to strengthen its negotiating position by carrying out attacks inside Russian territory ahead of any possible resumption of peace talks.
Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of renewed negotiations in Istanbul last year—on May 16, June 2 and July 23—which resulted in major prisoner exchanges and the drafting of memorandums outlining both sides’ positions on a potential peace agreement.