Until Russia changes its stance, Zelenskyy-Putin talks are off the table – Chubarov

This was said on Espreso TV by Refat Chubarov, head of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people.

"Turkey has the capacity and experience to organize talks between Zelenskyy and Putin. It has hosted such meetings before. But I’m quite pessimistic about the chances of this happening anytime soon, since we clearly understand Russia’s position, which, once again, was voiced just recently by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov," Chubarov said.

According to him, nothing has changed in Russia’s messaging – the Kremlin is still demanding Ukraine’s capitulation.

"The same demands remain: denazification, demilitarization, recognition of all territories seized, meaning occupied, by Russia, and Ukraine’s ban from joining NATO. So until Russia shifts its stance, I don’t see these talks happening," Chubarov added.

• On July 25, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he planned to talk with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to find out whether they would be open to meeting.