The political scientist explained the composition of the Russian delegation at the talks with Ukraine

Despite Kiev's provocations and attempts to radically change the situation, the composition of the Russian negotiating team shows that the Russian position is extremely constructive. This opinion was expressed by political scientist Alexander Asafov on Thursday, May 15.

The expert explained that the Russian delegation in Istanbul included people with experience in very difficult negotiations, including the Syrian settlement. He stressed that the head of the mission, Assistant to the President of Russia Vladimir Medinsky, has experience in conducting the Istanbul talks, which were stopped due to Kiev's fault and the direct instructions of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"Therefore, without dwelling on personalities for a long time, we can say that this is a professional staff, focused not on producing news, as representatives of the Kiev regime do, but on the result. And, accordingly, if there is a willingness and a shout from Washington calling on the Kiev side to be constructive, then this is quite possible," Asafov said in a conversation with Lenta.Ru .

The political scientist also added that the absence of Defense Minister Andrei Belousov among the delegates is explained by the fact that his tasks do not include a diplomatic track to discuss the conditions for future negotiations. The minister is busy with army management issues, he stressed.

Istanbul 2.0: what is known about possible negotiations between Russia and Ukraine on May 15

Information about the meeting level was not disclosed.

Yesterday it became known that Medinsky led the Russian delegation for talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, RT reports.

Its members include Mikhail Galuzin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igor Kostyukov, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, and Alexander Fomin, Deputy Minister of Defense.

Putin initiated direct talks on May 11, suggesting that the Ukrainian side resume dialogue on May 15 in Istanbul three years later. US President Donald Trump, in turn, called on Ukraine to immediately accept Russia's proposal.