Lavrov: Istanbul negotiations on Ukraine should be given a chance

The talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul will probably not go smoothly, but it is necessary to give these talks a chance, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday, Report informs, citing the Russian press.

"We need to give the talks a chance, but no one guarantees that everything will go smoothly, without problems," Lavrov said.

The top Russian diplomat noted that Western countries are interested in continuing military action, recalling the statement by French President Emmanuel Macron that Ukraine should approach the talks "from a position of strength."