Istanbul Summit Wraps Up: Russia Unveils Peace Proposal, Prisoner Swap Agreed Upon
Moscow consents to prisoner transfer - delivers peace proposal
In the unassuming Turquoise City, a buzz of anticipation hung in the air as Russia and Ukraine met for the second round of talks in Istanbul. After an hour-long session, the curtains drew on this round, with a plan for further negotiations and a prisoner exchange deal agreed upon.
The meaty portions of Russia's peace proposal were put forth during this meeting - a detailed blueprint aiming to seal a lasting peace. Divided into two sections, the plan gives eyeballs into Moscow's vision for peace. The first section lays out the broad strokes of achieving enduring tranquility, while the second provides a step-by-step approach to achieve a complete cessation of hostilities. The Ukrainian delegation has promised to ponder this intricate roadmap and respond accordingly.
According to a confidential Russian memo, the road to peace may involve challenging preconditions, such as Ukraine's full withdrawal from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson [1][3]. Furthermore, Russia demands the withdrawal of all foreign military troops and specialists from Ukrainian soil, along with an immediate halt to mobilization and the commencement of demobilization [1][2]. To appease its demands, Moscow is willing to return some Ukrainian children unlawfully seized by its forces [3].
Nevertheless, the broader demands concerning foreign military aid, intelligence support, and NATO-like presence remain non-negotiable for Kyiv, potentially obstructing a mutual agreement [1][2]. While the exhibition of Russia’s peace plan brings us one step closer to a ceasefire, it remains to be seen if these stiff demands can be watered down for compromise.
The upcoming negotiations in late June are expected to be instrumental in steering the negotiation process forward. As the world holds its breath, let's hope for a desirable outcome that allows for peace and prosperity to shine throughout the war-torn Ukraine.
- Istanbul
- Diplomacy
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine Conflict
Source: ntv.de, lar/jwu/dpa/rts
[1] Russian Peace Plan Points – Detailed Document
- The plan emphasizes Russia's demands, including the full withdrawal of Ukraine from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson as a precondition for a ceasefire.
- Russia's demands also include the withdrawal of all foreign military personnel and specialists from Ukrainian territory, along with a halt to mobilization and the start of demobilization.
- Russia is also adamant about an end to foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, including any presence of Western troops.
[2] NATO Dismisses Link Between Russian Peace Plan Points and Its Presence in Ukraine
- NATO has rejected Moscow's claims that its presence in Ukraine poses a threat to Russia's security and is a precondition for peace.
- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization insists it will provide Ukraine with military support as long as Ukraine requests such help.
[3] Kidnapped Ukrainian Children – A Small Concession in the Peace Plan
- According to an intergovernmental commission, over 19,500 Ukrainian minors have been kidnapped and forcibly taken to Russia from the occupied territories.
- More than 1,000 children were able to return to Ukraine with international mediation, while over 160 were found in Germany.
- Russia has proposed returning some of these children, but this concession is seen as minor compared to the broader demands outlined in the peace plan.
During the Istanbul Summit, Russia presented a complex peace proposal for Ukraine, which includes challenging preconditions such as Ukraine's withdrawal from specific regions and a complete halt to military mobilization. Amidst ongoing politics and general news about war-and-conflicts, the community and employment policies seem to take a backseat, with the focus squarely on the peace process in Ukraine.
