Moscow highlights foundation for peace talks with Kiev

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aide, Yury Ushakov, emphasized that any peace talks with Ukraine should consider both the current realities on the ground and the framework established during the 2022 Istanbul negotiations. Ushakov made these remarks after Putin proposed resuming direct talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, offering the opportunity to negotiate without any preconditions.

Ushakov clarified that the negotiations should take into account the issues discussed in 2022, which Ukraine walked away from unilaterally. He also stressed the importance of factoring in the current situation on the ground.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov further explained that the primary goals of the negotiations would be to address the root causes of the conflict and protect Russian interests. He added that Ukraine’s independence is questionable, as much of its course depends on the decisions made by its Western allies.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed Turkey’s readiness to host the talks between Moscow and Kiev. Putin, in his address, reaffirmed Russia's commitment to serious negotiations with Ukraine, seeking a sustainable peace settlement that would address the conflict’s underlying issues. He suggested that a new ceasefire could be part of the talks if resumed.

Putin remarked that the decision to proceed with negotiations now rests with Ukraine and its international backers. In 2022, the two sides had nearly reached a draft peace deal in Istanbul, where Ukraine was reportedly open to neutrality and limiting its military forces, while Russia offered troop withdrawals and security guarantees. However, Ukraine abruptly walked away from the talks, which Russian officials claim was due to pressure from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who allegedly advised Ukraine to keep fighting. Johnson has denied these claims.

MENAFN20052025000045015687ID1109571506