Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has announced that he is ready for a third round of negotiations with Ukraine, saying that Russia is prepared to hold such a meeting in Istanbul, but the "time and place" still need to be agreed upon.

Source: Putin during a visit to Belarus on 27 June, as reported by Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency RIA Novosti

Quote: "As expected, the Russian and Ukrainian memorandums are two completely opposite documents, but negotiations are held to find common ground…

We agreed that after the completion of this stage [the exchange of the bodies – ed.], we would hold a third round of talks. Overall, we are ready for this. The time and place need to be coordinated. I hope that Turkish President Erdoğan will continue to support this process. We are ready to hold such a meeting in Istanbul.

As for the exact date, that is for the heads of the negotiating teams on both sides – and they are, by the way, in constant operational contact. They speak on the phone regularly. They are currently discussing the timing of the next meeting. What will the meeting be about? It should focus on discussing both sides’ memoranda."

Details: Putin did not mention whether he would attend the negotiations in person.

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