Russia awaits Ukraine’s response to proposal for 3 working groups

ISTANBUL

Moscow has not yet received an official response from Kyiv to its proposal to form three working groups following last month’s talks in Istanbul, a senior Russian Foreign Ministry official claimed on Wednesday.

“We have not received a formal response from Kyiv. Although I can confirm that these issues are being discussed during contacts and are still on the table," Alexey Fadeyev, deputy director of the ministry’s Information and Press Department, told reporters, cited by RIA Novosti.

"We expect that the groups will be formed and will begin practical work as soon as possible,” he added.

Kyiv has not responded to Moscow's claims yet.

The third round of talks between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations was held at the end of July at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul and lasted about an hour.

Russia suggested that Ukraine establish three online working groups to advance the negotiation process.

At the time, Russian presidential aide and delegation head Vladimir Medinsky said Moscow and Kyiv remained far apart on the draft memorandums for a settlement, adding that a meeting between the two leaders would be necessary to conclude the matter.