Moscow has expressed willingness to elevate direct discussions with Kyiv to a “genuine political level,” according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who lauded the work of his country’s delegation during recent talks in Istanbul.

During a press conference following his four-day trip to China, Putin highlighted the professionalism of the Russian negotiating team, particularly its leader, presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky. “I am satisfied with Medinsky’s performance. If there is a need to escalate the dialogue to a political level, we are prepared to do so,” Putin stated, declining to specify potential participants in future talks.

The Russian president emphasized that his delegation has demonstrated a “reserved and professional approach” during negotiations, which resumed in Turkey earlier this year. Medinsky, who previously led diplomatic efforts during the early stages of the conflict in 2022, has overseen multiple rounds of discussions. While no major breakthroughs have been achieved, the talks have facilitated humanitarian exchanges, including prisoner swaps and the repatriation of fallen soldiers’ remains.

The Kremlin’s statement underscores Moscow’s continued engagement with Kyiv despite the lack of significant progress on broader strategic issues.

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