Putin‑Zelenskyy meeting is priority, but two other issues on the table: Source about talks in Istanbul
Illustrative photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin (collage RBC-Ukraine)
During negotiations in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia, the issue of a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin will be discussed, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing sources.
According to an RBC-Ukraine source, the Ukrainian delegation is determined to make a meeting between the leaders happen.
"This is Russia dragging things out. This is essentially our third time coming to approve this item. It's a top priority. Also on the agenda: ending strikes on civilian infrastructure, as well as the humanitarian track - exchanges, children, and civilians," the source added.
Meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin
Even before the first round of negotiations, Zelenskyy proposed a personal meeting with Putin. At that time, the President of Ukraine even traveled to Istanbul. However, the dictator ignored the proposal - moreover, he sent a delegation that was significantly lower in rank than the Ukrainian one.
Since then, the Kremlin has come up with a number of excuses as to why Putin cannot meet with Zelenskyy. In particular, just yesterday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was unable to answer whether Putin is willing to meet with Zelenskyy.
Third round of Ukraine-Russia negotiations
Ukraine has already held two rounds of negotiations with Russia - in May and June of this year. The third meeting is scheduled for today, and on the eve of it, Zelenskyy approved the composition of the Ukrainian delegation, which is headed by Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov.
According to RBC-Ukraine, during the talks, the Ukrainian side intends to raise the issue of a possible personal meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. Moscow, meanwhile, has stated that such a meeting can only take place after the parties agree on drafts of joint memorandums.
A source also reported that part of the Ukrainian delegation arrived in Ankara for a separate meeting with the Turkish side.
