Russian, Ukrainian negotiators begin face-to-face talks in Istanbul

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators began face-to-face talks in Istanbul. The face-to-face talks at the Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul are aimed at trying to end the war that has killed an estimated 20,000 people and forced more than 10 million from their homes.

Quoting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the official Turkish news agency said, that the President urged them to put an end to this catastrophic war.

President Erdogan said the two parties have legitimate concerns. It's possible to reach a solution acceptable to the international community. The whole world is waiting for good news.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was also due to meet the Ukrainian and Russian delegations



yesterday.

Turkey previously hosted the first meeting on 10th March between the Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministers following Russia's military operation of Ukraine on 24th February.

 

Those talks in the southern city of Antalya failed to produce a ceasefire or make any other visible progress.

Turkey, which shares a Black Sea coast with both Russia and Ukraine, is seeking to maintain good relations with both and has offered to mediate since the start of the war.

Turkey is also working with France and Greece on a humanitarian operation to evacuate people from the devastated Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, which has been pounded by Russian forces.