Discussions about the meaning and prospects of the talks in Istanbul should first of all take into account the fact that for Putin, the very proposal of negotiations turned out to be a chance to "repel" the European ultimatum on a ceasefire – and only.

If there was no ultimatum, there would be no idea of negotiations. Because Putin is not interested in any negotiations.

What is he interested in? He is interested in war and imitation of the negotiation process. It is not for nothing that he speaks not of the beginning of negotiations but of their "resumption." And where? Exactly where they were interrupted, in Istanbul.

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