Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on the 24th that Russia has no expectations for a breakthrough in the 3rd round of talks with Ukraine.
He pointed out that the proposals made by Russia in the negotiations are specific and constructive, aimed at conducting substantive work to achieve tangible results. Ukraine, however, proposed organizing a meeting of the two countries’ leaders before any agreement had been reached, which he called putting the cart before the horse.
Regarding the agreement reached by both sides during the negotiations to exchange captured personnel and the bodies of fallen soldiers, Peskov said this should be viewed positively.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky also mentioned the 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine talks on social media, saying that Ukraine had proposed a Russia-Ukraine presidential meeting before the end of August.
He said the Ukrainian negotiation delegation reiterated its position on a ceasefire, and proposed holding a Russia-Ukraine presidential meeting before the end of August. In addition, both sides agreed to continue advancing related exchange efforts.
On the evening of the 23rd local time, delegations from Russia and Ukraine held their third direct talks in Istanbul, Turkey, lasting about one hour. The two sides failed to achieve a breakthrough on core issues such as a leaders’ meeting or a ceasefire, but made progress on humanitarian issues.