Ceasefire Talks Begin In Istanbul After Delay; Zelensky: Russia Being Pushed Back From Kyiv

LOCAL NEWS

• Ceasefire talks are set to begin in Istanbul today after being delayed from yesterday with delegations only arriving late yesterday afternoon. Comes after Zelensky clearly laid out the terms for neutrality, non-NATO accession and discussion of Donetsk in exchange for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal – but fell short of agreeing to any territorial demands.
  • Interestingly, Russia’s demands removed ‘de-Nazification’ yesterday, while agreeing to let Kyiv join the EU if it remains military Non-aligned as part of ceasefire negotiation – RTRS, FT
• Zelensky says Russian troops are being pushed back from Kyiv with Ukrainian troops regaining territory in Irpin and Trostyanets. This follows signs that Russian troops are digging in around a hard fought capital, and are focusing more intently on Eastern Ukraine and Mariupol in particular to unite its territorial gains in the East and its land bridge to the sea of Azov. Fighting continues is Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv & Donbas – Sky, RTRS
• FinMin Siluanov says Russia intends to use its sovereign wealth fund to increase the capital of struggling enterprises, and has not yet used the fund to purchase equities on the MOEX. - IFX
• Yesterday afternoon, reports emerged of the alleged poisoning of Oligarch Roman Abramovich and a number of Ukrainian negotiators. This has been dispelled as being due to an environmental factor and not poisoning.
  • Abramovich experienced peeling skin and red eyes, and the Ukrainian FM has advised negotiators not to eat or drink at the discussions with Russia – RTRS, Sky
• Kemlin says no one in Russia is considering the idea of using nuclear weapons. Reiterates they would only be used if Russia believed its existence were being threatened - Tass