The head of the Russian delegation for talks with Ukraine, adviser to the president of the Russian Federation Vladimir Miedinski, commented on reports that three packages of agreements were to be discussed during the talks, using the Russian proverb: «I heard the bell, but I don’t know where it is.»
«I heard the ringing, but does not know where it is,» wrote Miedinsky on his Telegram channel, commenting on publications that say three packages are being discussed in negotiations with Ukraine, allegedly about a truce and withdrawal of troops. , neutral status and security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial issues.
Russian-Ukrainian consultations began at the end of February: the delegations held two face-to-face meetings in Belarus, after which it was decided to continue them on a daily basis via videoconference. At the end of March, delegations held another round of talks in Istanbul. As a result, Miedinski said that Ukraine has submitted written proposals for a future treaty, which Moscow considers to be a step forward, and that generally Kyiv has shown its willingness to negotiate for the first time in many years.
In response, the Russian side took two steps towards Ukraine. First, it was decided to significantly limit hostilities in the Kiev and Chernihiv directions. Secondly, Moscow suggested that President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky be held simultaneously with the initialing of the treaty by foreign ministers.
However, the later Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergei Lavrov, said that Ukraine rejects its own proposals and creates numerous provocations to slow down the negotiation process. In particular, according to the minister, Ukraine presented a draft agreement with Russia, which is a departure from the provisions on Crimea agreed at the Istanbul meeting, and changed the provision on military exercises, not to mention the need to obtain Russia’s consent. Earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed the opinion that the agreement with Russia may consist of two documents: a guarantee of security for Ukraine and relations between Kiev and Moscow, RIA Novosti reports.
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