Zelenskyy: Ukrainian delegation to be headed by defense minister at direct talks with Russia

The Ukrainian delegation will be headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov at the negotiations with Russia in Istanbul, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, Report informs.

"I have decided to send our delegation to Istanbul now, but not everyone... The delegation will be headed by the Minister of Defense," Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Ankara.

According to him, the Ukrainian delegation intends to discuss a ceasefire at the negotiations.

Zelenskyy also expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for organizing the negotiations and providing a venue for them.

"Besides, President Erdogan has also confirmed his position that Crimea is part of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.