The id of Ukraine's signatory is a "basic" problem for Russia in any potential settlement to finish the warfare, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned on Might 17 throughout a briefing, Russian state-controlled media reported.
"For Russia, an important and principal matter when signing paperwork between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations is the id of the individual licensed to signal on behalf of Ukraine," Peskov instructed reporters.
His feedback come as Russia and Ukraine held a brand new spherical of negotiations in Istanbul on Might 16. Though no ceasefire settlement was reached, either side agreed to a 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner-of-war change.
Ukrainian officers mentioned Russia had demanded a full army withdrawal from 4 areas, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, which Moscow claims to have annexed, regardless of not controlling them solely. Kyiv rejected the demand and expressed doubts in regards to the Russian delegation's authority to make choices.
Peskov mentioned work on a settlement will proceed and added {that a} assembly between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky may very well be attainable if the 2 delegations attain enough settlement.
The Kremlin additionally mentioned it might inform the general public if Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump determine to carry a telephone name.
Peskov's feedback additionally affirm that negotiations stay open.
"The Russian Federation will put together and hand over to Ukraine a listing of situations for a ceasefire," Peskov mentioned.
Following the Istanbul talks, Zelensky, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, held a name with Trump to debate subsequent steps.
Western officers stay skeptical of Russia's intentions, particularly after the Kremlin despatched a low-level delegation to Istanbul, omitting senior figures equivalent to International Minister Sergey Lavrov. Zelensky described the Russian crew as a "sham delegation."
Ukraine has proposed a right away ceasefire, a full POW change, and a face-to-face assembly between the 2 presidents. Russia continues to insist on addressing what it calls the "root causes" of the warfare — a phrase usually used to justify its 2022 invasion.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova