Russian foreign ministry: Talks to include issue of Ukrainian territories
A senior Russian foreign ministry official says Moscow intends to discuss the four Ukrainian regions it claims to have annexed in the upcoming direct talks with Kyiv.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov briefed reporters on Tuesday on the agenda for the talks with Ukraine. Moscow unilaterally proposed holding the meeting in Turkey on Thursday.
Ryabkov said discussions will focus on reaching a sustainable peace agreement based on realities on the ground, particularly new Russian territories.
Russia unilaterally declared the annexation of the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, and Zaporizhzhia and Kherson in the south.
Ryabkov added that Russia is ready to conduct serious and responsible negotiations, but said Ukraine appears to be unwilling to negotiate.
A western diplomatic source in Moscow told NHK that President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to take part in the coming negotiations. The source says Russia and Ukraine are likely to settle for working-level talks.
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