On Friday, May 16, a new round of potential negotiations between Russia and Ukraine should take place in Istanbul. The Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, officially declared its readiness for a bilateral meeting “without prior conditions” and is already waiting for the Ukrainian side. However, experts warn that these statements may have a hidden implication and do not mean a real desire for peace.
Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation and the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky reported that Moscow is expecting the arrival of the Ukrainian delegation at 10:00 am on Friday. According to him, Russia arrives in negotiations without any preliminary conditions.
"We came to Istanbul for direct negotiations with Ukraine. We will wait for the Ukrainian delegation at 10am," Medinsky said.
He also reported that he had already met with Turkish Foreign Minister and called the conversation "fruitful". During the meeting, the Russian side allegedly outlined its position on the war.
At the time of publication of the article, the Ukrainian side did not formally confirmed its participation in the negotiations. No applications by the Presidential Office or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have sounded.
