Ukraine and Russia on the verge of an agreement.
Although the Ukrainian and Russian delegations officially held three rounds of talks in Belarus, they continued behind closed doors in recent days. For the first time there is talk of the possibility of reaching an agreement.
The Russian and Ukrainian delegations, through the online format, continued the talks on ending the conflict, as well as the security requirements of both parties, and after today’s meeting, the Ukrainian and Russian representatives came out with positive attitudes.
Adviser to the head of the office of the President of Ukraine, Mikhail Podolak, who is also a member of the Ukrainian negotiating delegation, said that Russia has a much more realistic picture of the situation on the ground compared to previous negotiations.
“Russia now has a more adequate view of the world around it and is more sensitive to Ukraine’s position. Our positions are on the table. We are very determined – the withdrawal of troops and a ceasefire. “Russia already understands this and has started constructive talks. The results will come in a few days,” Podolak said.
He also commented for the Ukrainian media on the possibility of a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
The representative of the Russian delegation, Leonid Slutsky, also spoke on the occasion of the new round of closed-door negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
“This will help reduce tensions during the war and, of course, save a lot of people whose lives are in danger,” Slutsky said.
“If we compare the positions of the two delegations at the beginning of the talks and now, then we can see significant progress. “According to my expectations, this progress can means the two delegations could sign a document in a few days”, said Slutsky.
Although the parties did not discuss possible dates for the fourth “public” round of talks, an adviser to the Ukrainian president’s chief of staff said the meeting could take place in the next two or three days, depending on how long the delegations take to define certain requirements through legal frameworks.