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The United Nations has welcomed peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine taking place in Istanbul, describing them as the first direct talks between the warring nations in three years.
"We welcome today's discussions, which include the first direct negotiations in three years, as well as discussions about a possible ceasefire and large-scale prisoner exchange," said Stephanie Tremblay, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a daily press briefing.
Tremblay acknowledged "the significant role of Türkiye and the United States in facilitating these talks" and expressed hope that "this process will lead to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine."
The UN spokesperson emphasized the organization's readiness to support all meaningful efforts toward this goal.
When asked whether the UN had been invited to participate in the Istanbul peace negotiations, Tremblay clarified that no such request had been made to the organization.
"This would be a critical step toward creating conditions for a fair, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraine in line with the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions," Tremblay said regarding the Istanbul talks.
Türkiye has maintained its diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict since it began in February 2022. The country first hosted a meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine in Antalya in March 2022.
In July 2022, Türkiye brokered the Black Sea Grain Corridor Agreement in coordination with the UN, Russia, and Ukraine. The agreement, signed in Istanbul, reestablished grain exports from Ukrainian ports and resumed shipments across the Black Sea.
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