During a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during a visit to Moscow, a 5m long oval table appeared and drew attention.
On the 26th (local time), President Putin met with Guterres for an hour at the Kremlin.
Putin said on Tuesday that Russia was not refusing to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine, saying that he was “still hopeful” in negotiations to end the conflict with Ukraine.
“The situation in Mariupol is complex and tragic, but the Azoustal Works has been completely blocked and no battles are taking place,” the Russian military said.
He also made it clear that securing territories in eastern Ukraine was the goal of the negotiations.
In response, Guterres expressed deep concern and proposed a group consisting of Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations to coordinate the establishment of a humanitarian channel.
A 5m long oval table appeared at the meeting. This table, which is unusual for summit meetings, also appeared during the summit of French President Emmanuel Macron in February.
At the time, foreign media, including Reuters, speculated that Russia had put such a distance when President Macron rejected a request for a corona19 test at the Krenrim Palace. The British media Guardian also criticized it as a display of Putin-style authority in a composition that could insult others.
This table was also used a week later, on February 15, when German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the Krenrim Palace.
