Meaningful talks between Russia - Ukraine in Turkey: Chelsea owner seen in talks

Photo via AP/Hindustan Times

Russia has decided to "drastically reduce combat operations" around the capital Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv, after "meaningful" talks in Istanbul, Moscow's negotiators said Tuesday.

Moscow's declaration is being seen as the first major breakthrough after multiple rounds of ceasefire and peace talks since Russia invaded Ukraine last month.

Chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said there had been a "meaningful discussion" at the talks and that Ukrainian proposals would be put to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He also said that Putin could meet Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky after the completion of the latest round of peace talks in Turkey's Istanbul.

The announcement follows Ukrainian proposals for security guarantees aimed at ending Russia's invasion.

Roman Abramovich, Chelsea owner has been seen at peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul.

Moscow has rejected reports that the Chelsea owner was poisoned, calling them untrue and part of an "information war".