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Recent negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian sides in Istanbul, Turkey last week and then an online conversation between the parties hinted that a meeting between the presidents is imminent.
But in a statement Sunday, Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky hinted that the Kremlin no longer has the same stance. He said Russia’s position on Crimea and Donbas had not changed and that peace talks had not progressed enough to be finalized with a Putin-Zelensky meeting.
Meanwhile Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia told the media on Saturday that Russia had given them an official response that they respect Ukraine’s position in general in addition to the Crimean issue.
In the latest round of direct negotiations in Istanbul, Ukrainian negotiators have presented several proposals to the Russians to stop the occupation, among other things, they have accepted the idea of neutral status for their country, which means giving up any bid for membership in any foreign military alliance.
In return, they have sought security guarantees from other countries, such as Canada, Turkey, or Israel. Russia and Ukraine have been in talks since February 28, four days after Russia launched its occupation.
The West has said Russia’s statements should not be taken for granted, while Ukraine has said it has not seen a reduction in military activity on the ground.
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