ISTANBUL 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed an order on the composition of his country’s delegation, which is due to hold direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday.

The order, which was posted on the Kremlin website, read that the delegation will be led by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, and will also include Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin, Director of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Russian General Staff Igor Kostyukov, and Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin.

The statement also approved a composition of experts for the negotiations.

“This order shall enter into force on the date of its signing,” it added.