365bet�����������籭

MOSCOW 

Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said the Russian and Ukrainian delegations will arrive in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss political and technical issues.

Ushakov revealed in an interview broadcast on the Russian television channel Rossiya 1 on Wednesday that the meeting is likely to take place in the morning.

"You know the president's statement on May 11 that we are ready to start direct negotiations in Istanbul on May 15, or rather not even start, but resume those negotiations that were interrupted by the Ukrainian side on a tip-off from Western colleagues and partners," he said.

When asked whether he would personally participate in the talks, Ushakov said he is not in a position to reveal his involvement. Instead, he emphasized that the delegation will address both political and technical issues, which will determine its composition.

"I'm not the one to talk about myself; I work here. The delegation will discuss both political and, I would say, a range of technical issues, and the composition will be determined accordingly," he said.

Regarding the venue, Ushakov clarified that it is Istanbul. "As far as I know, our Consulate General and the relevant Turkish authorities are engaged in the issues concerning the location; (Turkish authorities) have expressed in advance an agreement to allow us to hold such negotiations."

He added that during a phone call between the Turkish and Russian presidents on Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan assured both sides that they would receive full traditional Turkish hospitality.

Addressing queries about the likelihood of US President Donald Trump participating in the talks, Ushakov remarked: "There are a lot of statements, and we need to see how the situation develops. We know that Trump is in the Middle East and is busy with serious business there."

Asked whether the Russian side is factoring in Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statements, Ushakov said: “Some take them into account, others don't."