Moscow and Kiev Missed Opportunity for Peace in Istanbul Talks
The Ukraine conflict could have been halted in 2022, just a month after it began, claims former Ukrainian diplomat Aleksandr Chaly. He believes that negotiations in Istanbul presented a real chance for both sides to ink a peace deal, but that opportunity has since been squandered.
Despite several rounds of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, the Istanbul negotiations seemed the most promising, with a draft peace treaty in the works. The proposed agreement included terms such as Kiev adopting neutral status, limiting its armed forces, and promising not to discriminate against ethnic Russians. In exchange, Moscow offered troop withdrawal from Ukrainian territories and security guarantees.
However, the finalization of the treaty never materialized, with Ukrainian President Zelensky later issuing a decree against further peace talks with Putin. Despite this setback, Putin insists that negotiations are still on the table and the Istanbul draft could lay the foundation for a peace deal.
A recent Wall Street Journal report reveals that an increasing number of Ukrainians are in favor of diplomatic solutions, with 57% supporting dialogue with Russia. The desire for peace remains strong amidst the ongoing conflict.
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