After talks with Russia in Istanbul, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the talks with Russian negotiators have given some positive signals but warned Russia can't be trusted. Russia announced after Tuesday's talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegation in Istanbul, Turkey that it will significantly reduce military operations near Ukraine's capital of Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv.
Russia announced Tuesday it will significantly scale back military operations near Ukraine's capital and a northern city, as the outlines of a possible deal to end the grinding war came into view at the latest round of talks. Moscow's public reaction was positive, and the negotiations are expected to resume Wednesday, five weeks into what has devolved into a bloody war of attrition, with thousands dead and almost 4 million Ukrainians fleeing the country. The apparent goodwill gesture comes as Russia's troops have become bogged down and struggled to make major advances on the ground recently in the face of stiff Ukrainian resistance. Ukraine's military said it had noted withdrawals around Kyiv and Chernihiv, though the Pentagon said it could not corroborate Russia's claim.
In a video address Tuesday night, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian troops' “courageous and effective actions” forced Russia to scale down its action around Kyiv and Chernihiv. He said Ukraine will continue the negotiation process “to the extent depending on us” but emphasised mistrust in “the words coming from representatives of the country that continue fighting to destroy us.” Zelenskyy said Ukraine's negotiators won't compromise "on sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
