Russian delegation 'disappointed' by third round of negotiations
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The third round of Russian-Ukrainian negotiations on the Belarus-Poland border was concluded this evening.
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The third round of Russia-Ukraine talks has ended
The head of the Russian delegation for negotiations with Ukraine, Vladimir Medinsky, said on Monday that the third round of talks was not up to Moscow's expectations, but stressed that "the meetings will continue."
After the conclusion of the third round of negotiations, which took place in Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Belarus, Medinsky said the delegations extensively discussed the issue of humanitarian corridors, which failed, although it was agreed on in the last meeting, due to the failure of the Ukrainian armed forces on the ground to follow orders.
He continued that this issue was brought up directly and unambiguously in hope of securing these corridors as of tomorrow, amid assurances from the Ukrainian side.
The head of the Russian delegation explained that discussions on the political and military aspects continued, but they are not easy, and it is too early to talk about positive results. He confirmed that the Russian side came with a large package of documents, as well as agreements, projects, and concrete proposals, in hope of signing a protocol on the points initially agreed on, but the Ukrainian side signed nothing and kept them for consultation.
"Hopefully next time we can take a bigger step forward,” Medinsky said.
On his part, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, Mykhailo Podolyak, said that there was some small progress in improving the logistics of humanitarian corridors in Ukraine.
Intensive consultations continued on the main political block of the settlement along with a ceasefire and security guarantees, Podolyak added.
The Russian Embassy in Belarus stated that talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials on the Ukraine crisis had begun on the Belarus-Poland border.
"We will try again today with the Ukrainian side to discuss the mode of operation of humanitarian corridors since in all the cities in which we promised, these corridors are open from the side of our army and the armed forces of Donbas, the fire has ceased," Medinsky said.
After the talks were wrapped up for the day, a member of the Russian delegation said that Russia is ready to hold the 4th round of talks with Ukraine in the very near future.
