Kremlin says 'important' agreements on Ukraine reached in Istanbul, work continues

MOSCOW

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine at Monday talks in Istanbul were "important" but a quick breakthrough toward the end of the conflict should not be expected.

Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov emphasized that one should not expect "immediate solutions and breakthroughs" due to the complexity of the problem, however, the work continues.

"Of course, it would be wrong to expect immediate solutions and breakthroughs. But the work is proceeding, and certain agreements were reached in Istanbul. They are important, as ultimately, they concern people's lives. These agreements will be implemented, and the work will continue," he said.

Peskov also said Russia handed Ukraine a memorandum containing Moscow's vision for the settlement with "many provisions, including multiple options."

"Once again, let me emphasize that we have repeatedly said the issue of settling the conflict is extremely complex and encompasses a multitude of intricate details," he said. "Everything is geared towards eliminating the initial causes of the conflict and transitioning onto a trajectory of sustainable settlement."

The official hinted that Moscow might compromise on certain points, but that this topic should be discussed privately during negotiations, not publicly.

He also said the Ukrainian side has yet to submit its formal response to the Russian-proposed document.

Asked about a trilateral meeting between Russian, US, and Ukrainian presidents, the official said it is unlikely to take place in the near future.

"(Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin has repeatedly stressed his readiness for high-level contacts, while emphasizing that these contacts should be the result of agreements that will be worked out at the technical and expert level. President Putin supports the idea of contacts, but believes that they should be well prepared," he said.

If the Russian and US presidents decide that a phone conversation is needed, it can be arranged promptly, but currently, there are no such plans, he noted.

Meanwhile, lines of communication with Washington remain open and functional, he said, and added: "We have channels of dialogue with the American side and continue using these channels for communication."

Peskov also criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying he spoke insolently about the Russian delegation, and that such behavior does not align with the spirit of negotiations.

When asked how the Kremlin evaluates the performance of the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, Peskov responded: "The work has just begun. Medinsky is an aide to the president and leads our delegation. By itself, this fact already speaks volumes."

Istanbul hosted the second round of Russia-Ukraine talks on Monday, after the first one on May 16. This time, the two sides agreed to exchange more prisoners of war -- focusing on the youngest and most severely wounded -- and return the bodies of 12,000 soldiers that have been killed in the armed conflict.

Peskov declined to comment on the results of the presidential election in Poland, saying that "it was this country's internal affair." At the same time, he said the Kremlin sees no preconditions for a politician coming to power in Poland who would consider "normalizing relations with its neighbors, primarily with Russia."

About the Iran nuclear deal, Peskov said Russia fully supports "efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution" of the disputes between Tehran and the West.

Moscow bases its position on the official statements of Iranian authorities, who assert that the country "does not seek to acquire and does not harbor intentions to obtain nuclear weapons," he noted, defending Iran's right "to utilize peaceful nuclear energy."