Another round of negotiations between delegations from Russia and Ukraine has started in Istanbul. Mediator Erdogan called on both sides to compromise. However, the chances of a solution are slim.
Representatives of Ukraine and Russia have met in Istanbul for the first time in three weeks for direct talks on a ceasefire. The new round of negotiations will take place in Istanbul at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He received the delegations in the former sultan’s palace in Dolmabahce and declared: “Both sides have justified concerns.” He called on them to “put an end to this tragedy”.
It is the first face-to-face meeting in a long time. Negotiations at ministerial level on March 10 in Antalya, Turkey, failed to bring any concrete progress towards a ceasefire in Ukraine. Since then, talks have continued via video conference. Both parties to the conflict recently described it as “difficult”. The talks in Istanbul are expected to last until Wednesday.
Kuleba skeptical
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that the minimum goal for the negotiations in Istanbul was to improve the humanitarian situation in cities besieged by Russian troops, such as the badly damaged Mariupol. The desired goal is a stable ceasefire.
However, before the talks began, he expressed skepticism about their chances of success. “If we see that they are ready for serious, substantive talks and balanced agreements, then things will move forward,” said Dmytro Kuleba. “If it’s a repeat of their propaganda, the talks will fail again.”
Crux of neutrality
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the important issues include “security guarantees and neutrality” and Ukraine’s status as a “nuclear-weapon-free state”. Neutrality of Ukraine is one of the main Russian demands. Zelenskyj said on Sunday that his government would examine the issue “thoroughly”.
Goal: A meeting between Zelenskyj and Putin
The Turkish government’s goal is a direct meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy. “We believe that the war can only be ended by such a meeting,” said Erdogan’s spokesman Ibrahim Kalin. “President Zelenskyy is ready for it. It is Putin who has so far refused.”
President Erdoğan: We believe that there will be no losers in a just peace
President Erdoğan said, “We believe that there will be no losers in a just peace. Prolonging the conflict is not in anyone’s interest.” said.
In his speech at the opening of the Russia-Ukraine Negotiation Committees Meeting held at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Office, Erdoğan expressed his pleasure in hosting the delegations and contributing to their efforts to establish peace in such a critical period.
Wishing that the meetings and meetings to be held will be beneficial for Ukraine and Russia, for the region and for the whole humanity, Erdogan said, “The negotiation process you have carried out in line with the instructions of your leaders has raised hopes for peace and excited the whole world. We wholeheartedly support the talks in this context.” used the phrase.
Stating that the delegations made and continue to make a great effort on behalf of their countries, Erdoğan congratulated the delegations of Ukraine and Russia.
Expressing that the conflicts, which are in their 5th week, deeply upset them as friends and neighbors, President Erdoğan continued his words as follows:
“From the first day of the crisis, we have made sincere efforts at every level to prevent escalation. We have tried to fulfill the neighbourhood, friendship, human closeness between us, especially to fulfill the requirements of this law. Personally, I carried out intense diplomatic work with many of my colleagues, especially your esteemed Heads of State. My Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of National Defense, and Chief Advisor İbrahim Bey were in constant contact with their interlocutors. We have displayed a fair approach that protects the rights, laws and sensitivities of both sides in all international platforms where we have a say. As a country, we worked and tried so that a similar picture would not arise in the north of the Black Sea.”
Emphasizing that as Turkey, they never shy away from assuming responsibility for peace and stability in the region and beyond, Erdogan said, “We believe that there will be no losers in a just peace. Prolonging the conflict is not in anyone’s interest. Every person who dies, every building destroyed, is tossed into the ground instead of being spent on the path of prosperity. Every buried resource is a value ripped from our common future.” he said.
“I believe that you will not hesitate to take the initiative to restore peace”
Stating that it is in the hands of the parties to stop this tragedy, Erdogan said, “It will be for everyone’s benefit to achieve a ceasefire and peace as soon as possible. We think that we have now entered a period where concrete results should be obtained from the negotiations. As of the current stage, you have assumed a historical responsibility as the members of the delegation. The whole world will benefit from you. and waiting for good news. With the guidance of your leaders, you are laying the foundation of peace. We are ready for any contribution that will make your job easier.” shared his opinion.
Reminding that he will move to Tashkent to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan today, Erdogan said, “However, I am leaving my Foreign Minister in Istanbul to give you the necessary support if you need it. It is possible to reach a solution that will meet the legitimate concerns of both countries and will be accepted by the international community. I believe that you will not hesitate to take the initiative for the restoration of peace. spoke his words.
Expressing that Turkey does not have a mediating role in the negotiations, President Erdoğan said:
“However, we will continue to provide facilitating opportunities as long as you request and as long as you need. Of course, we are aware of the fact that you have discussed difficult and complex issues in the negotiations. However, it is certain that the suggestions at the table and the agreement to be reached will form the basis of the final peace that will be achieved in the future. With a sense of responsibility, self-sacrifice and a constructive understanding. I am confident that you will be able to reach a permanent, equitable and sustainable solution. Your progress in the negotiations will enable the next stage, the contact at the leadership level. We are ready to host such a meeting. Even your gathering here is a reason for hope in the world and in your countries “I hope that your efforts on the road to peace will turn into good results. I ask you to convey my most heartfelt greetings to your heads of state, each of whom is a dear friend of mine. I wish you all success in your negotiations.”
