Kremlin says not to expect a ‘miraculous breakthrough’ in Ukraine talks

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated at a press conference that it would be inappropriate to expect a “miraculous breakthrough” in the third round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations.

“I don’t think this is very likely under the current circumstances. We intend to achieve our own interests, secure our interests, and fulfill the tasks we have set for ourselves from the very beginning,” Peskov said.

Peskov added that the issue of a settlement in Ukraine is extremely complex, and therefore, even reaching an agreement on a prisoner exchange or the return of the bodies of the deceased would be considered a result.

According to the spokesperson, draft memorandums that the parties presented to each other in the second round will also be discussed in the third round, among other topics.

‘A lot of work needs to be done’ for a Putin-Zelenskyy meeting

Regarding a question about preparations for a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Peskov recalled that the decree in Ukraine banning negotiations with Russia is still in effect.

“There is a lot of work to be done before we can talk concretely about the possibility of any meeting at the high and highest levels,” Peskov also stated.

The Kremlin spokesperson expressed hope that the negotiations would take place this week. “We will make an announcement on the date as soon as it is ready,” Peskov promised.

Conflicting statements on the negotiation date

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, citing National Security and Defense Council Head Rustem Umerov on July 21, had announced that the third round of talks would be held in Istanbul on July 23.

However, sources speaking to the TASS news agency reported that the meeting would take place on July 24-25.

Later, a source from the Çırağan Palace informed the agency that the meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations was planned for July 23.

In a statement on July 22, Zelenskyy confirmed that Rustem Umerov would remain the head of the Ukrainian delegation in the negotiations regarding the conflict with Russia.