The Russian delegation outlined expectations from the meeting between Zelensky and Putin

According to glavcom.ua: The third round of negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul, where the possibility of a meeting between the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, was discussed.

The Russian media quoted the head of the Russian delegation, who stressed the importance of thorough preparation for such a meeting.

The negotiations also discussed the need for preliminary agreements before the meeting and clarified that certain issues are planned for discussion. Even if it is not possible to agree on a meeting for now, the leaders will still meet. The main topics will be the return of prisoners and the preparation of the meeting itself.

Strategies and demands of the parties

Ukraine proposed to hold the meeting with the mediation of the US President and the Turkish leader, while the Russian side demands the cancellation of the 'illegitimacy' of the Ukrainian government as a condition for the meeting. The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council emphasized that negotiations will continue regardless of these complexities, focusing on humanitarian aid and easing the conflict.

Ukraine and Russia are considering a possible meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Putin, despite a series of complications in the demands of the parties. Negotiations are ongoing with an emphasis on humanitarian aid and peaceful resolution of the conflict.