With a brief introductory speech by Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and a delay of more than an hour and a half, the new, second round of talks between Ukraine and Russia began shortly before 3:00 p.m. in Istanbul.

The head of Turkish diplomacy referred in particular to the role of the US in ending the war in Ukraine, saying specifically: “We consider the loyalty and support of the United States in these talks extremely important. Mr. Trump’s determination to restore peace has opened a new window of opportunity.”

Fidan said that in this round of talks “we will discuss preparations for the leaders’ meeting. The main thing is to ensure sustainable peace,” and reiterated that Turkey is ready to take “all kinds of facilitation steps in this process.”

He also referred to the prisoner exchange, 1,000 from each side, agreed in the previous round of talks in Istanbul on May 16, adding that “the eyes of the whole world are on the contacts and discussions you will have here. We sincerely believe that you will make the most of this opportunity and deliver concrete results that will bring us one step closer to peace.”

“The main concern is to ensure sustainable peace,” Turkey’s foreign minister said, among other things, at the opening of the talks at the former Tsiragan Palace on the Bosphorus.