The 3rd round of negotiations Russia-Ucrania begins in Istanbul

The third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine started on Wednesday afternoon (23) at Ciragan Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Russian side is still led by the presidential special envoy Vladimir Medinsky, and Kiev’s side by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umarov.

The meeting began with a speech by Turkey Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in which he thanked Putin and Zelensky for his efforts to organize the negotiation. Fidan stated that the ultimate goal of the negotiation is to reach a ceasefire between the parties He pointed out that Turkey has the necessary infrastructure to monitor compliance with the truce. He added that Turkey can contribute to a possible exchange of prisoners between the sides.

“We got significant results in the first two rounds. The change of prisoners that has been held so far has been much appreciated by the international community,” said Fidan.

Ukrainian Deputy Dmitry Razumkov expressed skepticism before the meeting, questioning the effectiveness of Umarovstating that not all in Ukraine believe that the delegation sent by Vladimir Zelensky to Istanbul will be able to achieve positive results for Kiev.

“Honestly, I do not really see the result of these negotiations and, in general, its effectiveness [Umerov] In this position, to say the least, it leaves much to be desired. […] I don’t see people in our negotiation group that could effectively conduct negotiations in Istanbul, ”said the parliamentarian.

A source told Sputnikin anonymity condition, which before the meeting there was a trilateral meeting between Fidan, and the heads of both delegations.

According to an article from the New York Times, Zelensky had to agree to negotiate with Russia because of the fight he had with US President Donald Trumpat the White House in February.

“Mr. Trump’s fight with President Vladimir Zelensky in the Oval Hall [da Casa Branca]As ugly as it was, he had a purpose: he helped to persuade Mr. Zelensky not to expect serious US security guarantees and to push him for ceasefire negotiations with the Russians, ”the article says.

As noted in the article, Trump, making it clear to Ukraine that she would not join NATO and would not receive the new territories that would become part of Russia, not only made concessions to Moscow, but also recognized the objective reality.

Earlier, Russian presidency spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the third round will be difficult because sides have resolution projects for the crisis that are diametrically opposed.

Peskov reported that the sides will discuss matters related to memorandum projects on conflict resolution and more exchanges of the military captured or dead. All work is a preparation for a possible meeting between Vladimir Putin and Zelensky.

According to Peskov, it makes no sense to discuss a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky before doing the great job needed. He pointed out to be evident that much of the money delivered by the West was stolen in Kiev, since there is a lot of corruption in Ukraine.

On Tuesday (22), amid preparations for the meeting, a source of the Turkish government spoke to Sputnik President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government expectations for the meeting.

“What are we counting on? A ceasefire and peace in the region. I think the whole world expects it,” the source said.

Source: sputnik