Discussion: Moscow suggests another meeting with Kiev, planning for a dialogue in Istanbul
Russia and Ukraine to Resume Negotiations in Istanbul on Monday
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced plans for the second round of direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul next week. According to Lavrov, the discussions aim to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed the agreement to another meeting with Russian representatives, yet expressed the desire to review Russia's peace conditions beforehand.
In a message on Telegram, Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russia's delegation, shared that the team is prepared to present and discuss a memorandum detailing their stance on the various aspects of the crisis. The memorandum seeks to establish a reliable ceasefire and long-term peace agreement in Ukraine.
Medinsky also mentioned sending proposals for the exchange of memorandums or conditions for ending the conflict to the Ukrainian side. He emphasized the readiness of the Russian team to engage in substantial discussions on the ceasefire as soon as they meet.
Notably, Russia insists on negotiating both a ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement concurrently, rather than pausing hostilities first, as proposed by Ukraine and Western nations. Additionally, the timing and location in Istanbul are crucial parts of Russia's strategy, aligning with President Putin's previous impositions on ceasefires and negotiation terms.
Both sides will reportedly exchange written proposals outlining their visions for the settlement and ceasefire during the talks, indicating a possible exchange of official peace proposals. Ukraine appears to approach the Russian proposal cautiously, viewing it in part as an attempt to placate external actors such as former US President Donald Trump.
The forthcoming negotiations follow numerous ceasefires that have failed to bring long-lasting peace to Eastern Ukraine, with fights between government forces and pro-Russian separatists continuing. Electricity supplies to the war-torn region were disrupted earlier this week, raising concerns about worsening conditions and increasing the urgency for a resolution.
Discussions between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, scheduled for Monday, will centered around a memorandum presented by Russia's delegation, aiming to establish a reliable ceasefire and long-term peace agreement in Ukraine. The Russian team is also prepared to exchange proposals for ending the conflict with the Ukrainian side, signifying a potential exchange of official peace proposals.These exchanges will take place in the context of broader war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news regarding the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
