Zelensky Remains Sceptical of Russian De-Escalation Promises, Awaits Concrete Results

LOCAL NEWS

• Zelensky says he is sceptical of Russia’s intentions to scale back military operations around Kyiv & Chernihiv following yesterday’s pledge at meetings in Istanbul, which are set to continue today.
  • US officials also warned that the pullback was Russia ‘shifting gears’ for redeployment instead of withdrawing, but noted Russian forces were in fact leaving the outskirts of Kyiv. Last night Zelensky said yesterday’s signals could be called positive, but only concrete results from talks could be trusted – Sky, RTRS
• Yesterday, Russia said it would scale back its operations around Kyiv & Chernihiv to create space for dialogue with Ukraine in the first sign of de-escalation, should the claims be genuine. Shoigu said the primary focus was on the Dobas region.
  • While Ukraine said it was willing to agree to neutrality and non-NATO accession in exchange for security guarantees and withdrawal of Russian troops. A Putin-Zelensky meeting was also floated as a potential option in the near-term with a framework coming closer to being established.
• Putin & Macron discuss RUB-denominated payments for Russian gas last night. Macron said it was not possible for Western buyers to pay for contracts in RUB - bbg
• Russian union of Grain exporters asked the CBR to consider making it possible for foreigners to pay in roubles under export contracts. The initiative was discussed at the CBR last week, with the Union asking for the CBR to provide RUB liquidity to foreign banks serving grain buyers – the largest of which are Turkey, Egypt, Iran & Saudi. – bbg