Russians lied about Umerov's "secret meeting" with Medinsky

The Russians spread a fake about a "secret meeting" between the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov and the head of the Russian delegation Vladimir Medinsky in Istanbul. This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation at the NSDC.

Russian propaganda outlets report that Umerov and Medynsky allegedly met face to face.

In fact, the meeting took place in the presence of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who acted as a mediator.

The Center emphasized that such fakes are another attempt by Russian propaganda to create the illusion of "direct contacts" with Ukraine and manipulate the international audience.

In a commentary to Ukrainian media, the NSDC confirmed that there was a brief preparatory meeting with Umerov, Fidan and Medinsky.

"The format is the same as last time," they said.

This is not the first time the Russians have lied about direct talks with Ukraine. In June, after the second round of talks, Medinsky claimed to have had a bilateral meeting with Umerov, who was then Defense Minister. At the time, the Center for Public Affairs stated that this information was not true.

• On the evening of July 23, the next round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia is to take place in Istanbul. The Ukrainian delegation will be headed by Umerov.
• Representatives of Ukraine have already met with Turkish President Erdogan.