On Monday morning, under the silhouette of Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace, Ukrainian and Russian delegations reopened peace negotiations aimed at ending a conflict now into its third year.
The meeting kicked off with opening remarks from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, signaling Turkey’s role as a mediator. Ukraine’s team, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, arrives with a detailed roadmap that envisions a lasting settlement.
According to documents obtained by delegates, the Ukrainian proposal includes:
- No restrictions on Ukraine’s future military strength;
- No international recognition of Russian sovereignty over occupied areas;
- Reparations for damage across Ukraine.
It also sets the current frontline as the baseline for territorial talks.
Over the weekend, Ukraine mounted one of its most ambitious strikes, targeting nuclear-capable bombers in Siberia, while Russia’s forces launched a record 472 drones at Ukrainian skies in a single night. This stark contrast between diplomacy and drone warfare sets the stakes for Istanbul.
The first round on May 16 ended with the largest prisoner exchange of the war, but no ceasefire. As both sides trade frontline maps for drones, the world watches: can these talks finally shift the momentum toward peace?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
