The political scientist explained Turkey's participation in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine

Political analyst Alexander Asafov expressed the opinion that the participation of Turkish President Recep Erdogan in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine as a mediator brought him additional political points.

In conversation with Lenta.Ru On Friday, May 16, the expert pointed out that Turkey's participation in this process is rather pointless, but as a representative of a neutral platform it is quite acceptable.

"I believe that the configurations of meetings are not finite, but surprises are possible, because there are Americans somewhere behind the scenes who can connect at any moment," Asafov added.

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

Information about the meeting level was not disclosed.

On May 16, negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine began in Istanbul. The Russian delegation is headed by Presidential Aide Vladimir Medinsky. Before the start of the negotiations, he held a meeting with representatives of the United States.

The Russian delegation also included Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin. According to Medinsky, the Russian delegation is determined to find possible solutions and common ground in Ukraine. He believes that the group has all the necessary skills and authority to participate in the negotiations.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered the opening remarks. According to him, Ankara sincerely believes that the Istanbul meeting can lead to peace if both sides adhere to a constructive approach, Regnum news agency reports. He also noted that this meeting will determine the meeting of the leaders of the two countries, RT clarifies.

There are nine representatives from Russia at the table, and 11 from Ukraine. 360.ru . The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul are held behind closed doors, without the press, the NSN notes. The journalists were asked to leave the hall after the welcoming speech by the Turkish side, the website reports. kp.ru .

Prior to that, negotiations between the American, Turkish and Ukrainian sides took place in Istanbul. The last time the delegations of the Russian Federation and Ukraine also met in Istanbul was in the spring of 2022. The Russian delegation, as it is now, was headed by Vladimir Medinsky, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation.