US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott
addressed the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine as follows:
"The meeting in Istanbul is a crucial opportunity for direct negotiations
between Russia and Ukraine."
"The President has also spoken about this. He has made
it clear that the meeting in Istanbul is a crucial opportunity for direct negotiations
between Russia and Ukraine. That has been evident.
The President has also made it clear that he wants those
negotiations to take place, and that he wants a ceasefire first and then a
lasting peace.
As for the details, there's nothing more to say. The
President also spoke about this in his recent speech. I refer you to his
remarks.
But this is a crucial opportunity to engage in direct
negotiations to try to achieve a ceasefire and then a lasting peace."
