Kremlin: First Part Of Putin-Erdogan Talks "Constructive"

Wires reporting comments from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Pestov stating that the "first part" of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, taking place in Sochi, Russia today, was "successful."

• Peskov states: "No documents are expected to be signed," after the meeting.
• The Kremlin press service said today ahead of talks: "There are plans to discuss efforts to further develop the mutually advantageous bilateral cooperation as well as pressing international issues."
• Russian news outlet Tass reports that the talks were expected to focus on "ways to resolve the Ukraine conflict and the [Black Sea] grain deal."
• Erdogan said in remarks before the meeting: "Everyone is waiting for what will come out of our meeting today. I believe that the message at the press conference after the meeting will be an important step for the whole world, especially for African countries."
• Tass reports that Putin is unlikely to acquiesce to rejoining the grain deal despite saying ahead of the meeting, "We are open to negotiations on this question."
• Russian officials last week panned a new proposal from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres designed to address some of Moscow's concerns with the original deal.