Buddhist monk holds prayer service for peace at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul

A Buddhist monk held a prayer service at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul, Turkey, and called for peace between Russia and Ukraine. This was reported on May 16 by a correspondent of Izvestia.

The monk addressed the parties in Istanbul, where negotiations on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict are to begin.

"We are here specifically for this first meeting, for a direct conversation between Russia and Ukraine. This is a very important moment," he told Izvestia correspondent Nikolai Ivanov.

According to the monk, representatives of the clergy wish for the speedy restoration of peace. In addition, he noted that peace should be not only swift, but also "fair, real and lasting."

Territorial principles: how the dialogue between Russia and Ukraine can begin

And what is capable of disrupting the first direct negotiations in three years?

Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced the start of negotiations between the American, Turkish and Ukrainian delegations on the conflict in Ukraine. It was reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and head of the office of Ukrainian Leader Volodymyr Zelensky Andriy Ermak are taking part in them.

Yesterday, the head of the delegation, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Medinsky, noted that the Russian negotiating group in Istanbul is determined to find possible solutions and common ground on Ukraine.