Kiev’s arms race poses a huge threat to the security of Western states themselves, and experts believe that the parties could discuss the issue of Ukraine’s demilitarization at the third round of bilateral negotiations in Istanbul, the diplomat added.

Grushko recalled that Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, after the telephone conversation between the presidents of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the United States, Donald Trump, announced that his country is ready to continue negotiations after June 22.

Kiev is likely to formulate a position after the G7 summit in Canada, which ends on June 17. In this context, the parties are implementing the humanitarian agreements reached in Istanbul.

Grushko noted that if lasting peace is pursued, the reduction and elimination of Western weapons supplied to Ukraine should be guaranteed.

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