Russia-Ukraine peace talks require coordinating memorandums

 
Coordinating memorandums between Moscow and Kiev should be viewed as a prerequisite for a potential Russian-Ukrainian summit, which Kiev continues to push for, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during a briefing, reports TASS.

"All the work necessary to finalize these memorandums is part of preparing for the meeting," Peskov stated. "Without completing this difficult groundwork, setting specific dates for a summit makes little sense," the Kremlin spokesman pointed out.

He added that otherwise, "this rough, very complex, and extensive work would have to be done at the highest level."

In remarks about the agenda for the third round of direct Russian-Ukrainian talks set for this evening in Istanbul, Vladimir Zelensky has repeatedly stressed that the priority should be arranging a summit. The Kremlin, however, continues to insist that both sides must first reach agreement on a memorandum detailing the peace process. Draft versions of the document were exchanged during the second round of talks, also held in Istanbul.

A Russian team led by Kremlin Aide Vladimir Medinsky has arrived in Istanbul, Turkey for a third round of talks with Ukraine.

The Russian plane carrying the delegation landed at about 3:40 p.m., according to a TASS reporter.

The talks are expected to start at 7 p.m. (4 p.m. GMT) at Ciragan Palace, the same venue as before.

The Kremlin earlier confirmed that the third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine was scheduled for Wednesday evening. The Russian delegation remained unchanged. It also includes Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin; the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Igor Kostyukov; and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

On the other hand, Russian Navy has launched the July Storm operative exercise, involving the Northern, Pacific and Baltic fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla.

"In the period between July 23 and 27, under the general guidance of the Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the July Storm naval operative exercise will be held in the waters of the Pacific and the Artic oceans, the Baltic and the Caspian seas, involving the Northern, Pacific and Baltic fleets, as well as the Caspian Flotilla," the ministry said.

The exercise will involve over 150 warships and auxiliary vessels, 120 aircraft, 10 coastal defense missile systems, 950 pieces of military and special hardware, and over 15,000 servicemen.

>>Agency