Kremlin says Russia will not take part in Ukraine talks in Turkey this week

MOSCOW - Russia will not participate in peace negotiations in Turkey, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing on Tuesday, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will visit Istanbul on Wednesday to discuss the options for restarting peace talks with Moscow.

Peskov stated that Ukraine has not notified Russia about its willingness to resume negotiations. However, he insisted that Moscow is ready to continue peace talks, stressing that Russia's position is "well known" in Washington, Istanbul, and Kiev.

The press secretary further said that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be open to discussions with United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is expected to take part in the Istanbul talks, and Turkish officials after they finish negotiations with Zelensky.