Ukraine Has "Essentially Agreed" To Core Russian Demands Of Not Joining NATO, Says Kremlin

State media is reporting that Russia's lead negotiator after coming off Tuesday's "constructive" talks in Istanbul is saying that "Kiev has essentially agreed" to Moscow's key demands of not joining NATO or allowing foreign bases and troops on its soil. 

"Ukrainian negotiators have essentially agreed to Russia's principle security demands of rejecting NATO membership and regarding the presence of foreign military bases on its territory," the Kremlin's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky has said. In the statement he noted further that Ukraine has "stated willingness to meet core Russian demands." He said further while speaking to Rossiya-24 broadcaster on Wednesday:

"Yesterday, for the first time...the authorities in Kiev have declared their readiness to negotiate with Russia. They handed us on paper the principles of a possible future agreement, which provides for: a rejection of entry into NATO, fixing Ukraine's bloc-free status, a renunciation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction."

At the same time on Wednesday there appears to be more positive signals coming from the Ukrainian side, with its negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak saying that while a peace deal with Russia is in the works, it would only be put up for a national referendum after Russia withdraws all troops to their pre-invasion Feb.23rd positions. But this is a huge if - given it's impossible to predict anything in terms of the on-the-ground battle or the Russian military's intent.

But for now, there indeed appears a long road ahead before a full and final ceasefire can be realized, given the continuing battlefield situation:

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