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Russian officials said Thursday they are prepared to send a delegation to Istanbul for a third round of peace negotiations with Ukraine, while awaiting completion of ongoing prisoner exchange processes and new proposals from Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Moscow's negotiating team stands ready to travel to Istanbul, expressing hope that Ukraine will adhere to existing agreements and continue the negotiation process.
"The Russian delegation is ready to go to Istanbul for the third round of negotiations," Zakharova said during her weekly news briefing in Moscow. "We hope that Kyiv will act in accordance with the agreements provided and continue the negotiation process."
The announcement came as Russia and Ukraine completed a major exchange of soldiers' remains, with Moscow returning 1,000 bodies to Ukraine in accordance with agreements reached during previous talks.
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also addressed the issue, stating that Russia is waiting for further proposals from Ukraine before moving forward with new talks.
"We still expect proposals from Ukraine. A decision will have to be made afterward," Peskov said during a press briefing in Moscow.
Peskov confirmed that discussions are continuing through direct channels with Ukrainian representatives, facilitated in part by U.S. mediation.
He said the parties are finalizing agreements related to the second round of talks, particularly surrounding ongoing prisoner exchanges.
"There is still a prisoner swap process that needs to be completed. Additional agreements are being made to fulfill the commitments from the second round," he said.
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Thursday's exchange saw Russia return the bodies of 1,000 deceased persons to Ukraine, according to a statement from Ukraine's government body coordinating prisoner of war treatment.
The Ukrainian statement said Russia claimed the deceased were Ukrainian citizens, including soldiers, though Kyiv has previously accused Moscow of disguising killed Russian soldiers as Ukrainians in repatriation deals.
Russian negotiator Medinsky reported that Ukraine transferred the remains of 19 killed Russian soldiers in return, posting photographs showing medical personnel in white suits lifting body bags from refrigerated trucks.
Such exchanges of captured soldiers and repatriation of remains have occurred regularly throughout the three-year conflict, representing among the few successful diplomatic initiatives between the warring sides.
Zakharova also addressed Germany’s support for Ukraine’s production of long-range missile systems, warning of consequences if the weapons are used against Russia.
"Russia has the right to strike military facilities of countries whose weapons are used against us. We will respond appropriately to any escalation," she said.
She also accused NATO of militarizing Moldova, alleging that the country is being prepared "for the role of a second Ukraine."
"Preparations are being made to militarize this country for NATO’s benefit," Zakharova said, adding that Moscow is closely monitoring events in the breakaway Transnistria region.
On Lebanon, Zakharova reiterated Russia’s position against foreign interference: "Our position remains unchanged. We support Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."
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