Russia shared its expectations for the third round of negotiations with Ukraine

The third round of Russia-Ukraine negotiations will focus on discussing the peace memoranda prepared by both sides, as well as technical and humanitarian issues.

This was stated by Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs.

Earlier, Independent Türkçe reported that the third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul could take place on July 23 or 24.

“I think they will mainly discuss technical issues, humanitarian matters, and probably the memoranda that were prepared during the second round,” Chepa said.

He noted that it is difficult to predict the outcome of the meeting, especially since it is still unclear who will lead the Ukrainian delegation following Rustem Umerov’s resignation as Ukraine’s Minister of Defense. Chepa also expressed hope that exchanges of prisoners, wounded soldiers, and bodies of the deceased with Ukraine will continue.

“You know, unfortunately, there is information that the Ukrainian side is cremating bodies. This suggests they are not seeking any humanitarian exchange and have been delaying the process,” Chepa stated.

Earlier, Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to grant him the status necessary for further negotiations with Russia.

The Kremlin has also commented on the date of the next round of negotiations with Ukraine. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov clarified that Moscow is waiting for Kyiv’s proposals regarding the meeting date in Istanbul. He added that this issue should be agreed upon after the process of exchanging military remains is completed.