Zelensky confirms Ukraine's participation in Istanbul talks on Monday

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his country's delegation at another round of direct talks with Russia will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, indirectly confirming Ukraine's participation in the talks set for Monday in a post on X.

This is the first time Ukraine has officially said it is taking part in the negotiations proposed by Russia to be held in Istanbul, after previously slamming the ceasefire conditions laid out by Moscow as "arrogant."

The two sides last met in Istanbul in mid-May, marking their first direct public contact since 2022. A significant prisoner exchange followed the negotiations.

In his post on Sunday, Zelensky said he had outlined to his defence and foreign minister, the general staff and intelligence and security services "the tasks for the near term and also defined [Ukraine's] positions ahead of the meeting in Istanbul on Monday."

The priorities listed by the president include "a full and unconditional ceasefire," "the release of prisoners," and "the return of abducted children."

"On Monday, our delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov," he added.