A Russian delegate for talks with Ukraine was cited on Sunday saying they had made important progress and it was possible delegations could soon reach draft agreements, although he did not specify what those agreements would cover.
RIA news the agency quoted Leonid Slutsky as comparing the state of talks now with the situation when they first started and said there was “a substantial amount progress.”
His comments came on day 18 of the war, which began when Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24 in what the Kremlin terms a special military transaction.
“According to my personal expectations, this progress can grow in the next few days in a common position of the two delegations, in documents for signing,” Slutsky said.
It was not clear what is the range of such documents could be. Ukraine said it was willing to negotiate but not give in or accept an ultimatum.
Three rounds of talks between the two parties in Belarus, more recently last on Monday, was mainly concentrated on humanitarian problems and led to the limited opening of some corridors for civilians to escape combat.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on On Friday, there had been “positive changes” in the talks but did not give details. On Saturday, the Kremlin said talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials were continuing”in video format.”
