UPD: Vladimir Medinsky commented on the recent talks between Russia and Ukraine to the channel «Russia»: «Those who say that first a ceasefire, then negotiations, do not know history — war and negotiations always go simultaneously».
The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in the last three years lasted less than two hours, and there are no signs of progress in bridging the gap between the parties, with a Ukrainian source calling Moscow's demands «unbearable», writes Reuters.
The gulf between the two sides quickly became apparent, according to a Ukrainian source who told the agency that Russia's demands are «detached from reality and go far beyond what was previously discussed». They included ultimatums for Ukraine to withdraw troops from part of its territory to achieve a ceasefire, «and other non-constructive conditions», the source said.
«We are satisfied with the result, ready to continue contact», — said Vladimir Medinsky following the meeting, adding that the Ukrainian delegation requested direct negotiations between the state leaders, Russia took note of this. «After the parties provide their vision of a ceasefire, we consider it advisable to continue our negotiations. We agreed that each side will present its vision for a possible future ceasefire and detail it», — said the head of the Russian delegation.
Meanwhile, The Economist correspondent Oliver Carroll, citing a source, reported that Russia threatened during the talks to seize Kharkiv and Sumy regions, and also stated that it would agree to a ceasefire only if Ukrainian troops were withdrawn from four regions partially occupied by Russia. This was previously reported by Verkhovna Rada deputy Oleksiy Goncharenko.
The only agreement reached by the parties at the moment is a prisoner exchange on the formula «1000 for 1000», but no date has been set yet.
Photo: Reuters