The third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for Wednesday is not expected to make key breakthrough, yet marks a continuation of diplomatic efforts towards peace, said a Turkish expert.
After a seven-week break, Russian and Ukrainian delegations are set to return to the table for a new round of negotiations in Istanbul on Wednesday.
Russia and Ukraine held two rounds of direct talks on May 16 and June 2 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously said that both sides agreed to hold a third round of talks after the completion of the exchange of prisoners of war and the transfer of bodies of fallen soldiers as negotiated in previous talks.
Murat Jane, assistant professor at the Istanbul Aydin University, said in an interview with China Global Television Network that while no major breakthroughs are expected, the return to negotiations in Istanbul marks a continuation of diplomatic efforts amid ongoing fighting.
"It's progress. Even taking small steps toward a peace process is one of the significant achievements. Therefore, we can consider this a small step forward, positive in terms of the continuity of diplomatic processes, but we should not enter into very high expectations regarding the full establishment of peace," Jane said.
Jane said that as fighting continued in recent weeks, developments on the battlefield are shifting momentum in Russia's favor.
"It's progress. Even taking small steps toward a peace process is one of the significant achievements. Therefore, we can consider this a small step forward, positive in terms of the continuity of diplomatic processes, but we should not enter into very high expectations regarding the full establishment of peace," Jane said.
According to the Reuters news agency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that achieving a ceasefire and exchanging prisoners of war remain priorities in the negotiations. Zelensky said that Ukraine is striving for the release of detained Ukrainian civilians including children with the help of partners and international mediators.
He also said that another priority of the negotiations is to prepare for a leaders' meeting, which may take the peace process a step further.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Zelensky as an illegitimate leader, claiming his mandate expired after Ukraine postponed elections under martial law.
On Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow's stance in a report by TASS agency.
There is no reason to expect any breakthroughs in the category of miracles -- it is hardly possible in the current situation, said the spokesman.
Peskov said that in the new round of negotiations, Russia and Ukraine will discuss some complex issues, including a draft memorandum on resolving the conflict. He said the two sides have achieved certain results in exchanging prisoners of war and returning the remains of fallen soldiers.
Upcoming third round Russia-Ukraine talks marks continued diplomatic efforts: Turkish expert
Upcoming third round Russia-Ukraine talks marks continued diplomatic efforts: Turkish expert
Upcoming third round Russia-Ukraine talks marks continued diplomatic efforts: Turkish expert
