Separate Ukraine-Russia meeting is "one of the formats", Kremlin says
The Kremlin confirmed that closed talks between Ukraine and Russia were held in Switzerland, emphasizing the use of various meeting formats but providing little detail on the discussions.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that closed negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Switzerland, stating that these discussions were categorized into various meeting formats. However, he refrained from providing any substantive details regarding the content of the talks, maintaining that this specific phase of negotiations does not lend itself to public discourse. Peskov's comments reflect the continued complexity of diplomatic interactions between the two nations amid an ongoing conflict.
The spokesperson further noted that the trilateral talks currently do not allow for public discussions, indicating a shift toward more secretive negotiations. This approach contrasts with earlier communications and reflects the sensitive nature of the ongoing dispute, which has seen fluctuating levels of engagement and negotiation. Peskov's remarks also referenced a previous round of talks held in Geneva, for which head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, offered an assessment highlighting the intricate and often contentious dynamics at play in these discussions.
The implications of these closed-door meetings point toward a possible recalibration of tactics in the Ukraine-Russia dialogue as both sides navigate the complexities of war and diplomacy. The Kremlin seems to be taking a cautious approach, possibly aiming to control the narrative surrounding the negotiations and keep the process insulated from public scrutiny, thereby influencing future operational stances and diplomatic strategies on both sides.