Mixed signals from Istanbul peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. In the group of “hopes” there is the fact that written proposals are on the table for the first time. It is presented by the Kiev delegation, which is prepared to neutralize in exchange for adequate security guarantees and renounce joining military alliances such as NATO. On the other hand, Moscow takes note and will announce that President Vladimir Putin’s proposals will be evaluated.
At the military level, the Kremlin has announced a “radical” reduction in military activities to the capital Kyiv and Chernihiv. “But that doesn’t mean a truce,” said Russia’s chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky. Off the table are issues related to the selfproclaimed Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics and Crimea, on which Ukraine has been proposing bilateral status talks with Moscow for 15 years. On the other hand, no veto by Russia against a possible EU accession of Ukraine.
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Meanwhile, negotiations in Istanbul and payment for gas supplies to Europe in rubles were the focus of this afternoon’s phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron. We are in the context of the information released by the Kremlin, which it announces in a note: “The heads of state and government continued the exchange of views on current aspects of the situation around Ukraine, including within the framework of today’s round of talks between the Russian delegations and Ukrainian in Istanbul. Questions related to the decision to switch to payments in rubles for gas supplies from Russia, especially to the countries of the European Union, were also raised”.
The passage devoted to the situation in Mariupol is unequivocal: “In order to solve the difficult humanitarian situation, the militant Ukrainian nationalists must stop their resistance and lay down their arms,” Putin told Macron regarding the siege of the city, according to press reports service of the Kremlin. . “The President of Russia read the statement gave detailed information about the actions of the army to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and ensure the safe evacuation of civilians, including from Mariupol.” After the phone call, the Elysée acknowledged that opening humanitarian corridors in Mariupol “at this stage” is not possible. Macron suggested a
Putin, an evacuation operation organized along with Greece and Turkey: The Russian president said he would “think about it” before giving an answer, the statement by the French Republic’s presidency said.