Expert: Medinsky's participation in Abu Dhabi talks signals return to Istanbul agreements

Taras Zahorodnii, managing partner of the National Anti-Crisis Group, said this in a comment to Ukrinform. According to him, the appointment of Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, as Russia's representative at the talks signals a possible return to the demands Moscow put forward during the Istanbul negotiation process. "These include reducing the size of the Ukrainian army, restrictions on heavy weapons, the status of the Russian language and church, and recognition of Crimea and Donbas," the expert recalled, outlining Russia's demands. Zahorodnii said Russia is trying to assess how the political position of U.S. President Donald Trump will change after the midterm congressional elections.