Where will the negotiations on Ukraine take place, and whether they will be held at all — expert

Talks about the beginning of preparations for negotiations on the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict began to be heard on both sides of the Atlantic. Can agreements be signed as early as 2025, he answered Pravda.Ru Oleg Barabanov, Russian historian and political scientist, Program Director of the Valdai International Discussion Club.

He believes that the general media agenda in the world has shifted towards the start of the negotiation process under the influence of statements by Donald Trump and his entourage.

"However, we see that official Russian statements deny the possibility of a truce for the sake of a truce. In particular, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this. So far, in the public media field, Russia does not agree to this. But it's hard to say how events will develop after Trump's inauguration," the expert said.

He believes that hints of Trump's very interesting visits in January may be somehow connected with the negotiation process.

It is said that peace talks can be organized in India, as Trump will arrive there on his first state visit. And then the Russian delegation may come to the same site.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the few major politicians in the world who can really ensure security on his land if necessary. Barabanov heard not only about India, but also about Slovakia and Hungary, and Astana and Baku.

"Here, rather, it seems to me, it may not be about the place of negotiations, but about a possible meeting place between Putin and Trump. And India's position is active. This country has always stood, from the very beginning, for peace, for ending the conflict. Therefore, from a political point of view, India is convenient and Russia, and the United States," the political scientist believes.

He added that agreement is important for negotiations and Russia, and the United States for a conversation, not the place of their holding.