In Russia, they commented on a new round of talks with Ukraine

Turkey could become a new venue for Russia–Ukraine talks on settling the conflict.

This was suggested in a conversation with Lenta.ru by Russian Federation Council senator Grigory Karasin. He called Kyiv’s position the main obstacle to a new round.

“Turkey has already been a place for negotiations, so why couldn’t it become the venue for another round?” the politician said. “But the main thing here is not the place, but Ukraine’s ability to negotiate.”

In Karasin’s view, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has noticeably radicalized recently, which complicates further dialogue with Kyiv.

“Zelensky has completely lost his head, makes very militant statements, arrogant ones. This makes Ukraine incapable of reaching agreements and makes negotiations as such difficult. Apparently, Zelensky doesn’t think about this, caring more about his own image, which is regrettable,” the senator concluded.

Earlier, Turkey confirmed its readiness to ensure high-level talks on settling the conflict in Ukraine. Before that, Turkey repeatedly offered its mediation services and served as a platform for previous rounds of negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian representatives.