© EPA-EFE/YURI KOCHETKOV The process must stem from the “Memorandum,” presented to the Ukrainian representatives in Istanbul.
Russia asserts its willingness to proceed with discussions with Ukraine concerning the conclusion of the conflict, but within the “Istanbul framework.” This declaration was issued in a statement to the Russian news outlet “Izvestia” by Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin.
“Russia is receptive to a political and diplomatic resolution and to the continuation of face-to-face talks with representatives from Kyiv. Turkish officials have repeatedly affirmed their readiness to continuously provide the Istanbul setting. Thus, all prerequisites for advancing the Istanbul route are present. The sole impediment is the absence of political resolve in Kyiv,” he stated.
According to him, Russian “proposals” concerning a “localized humanitarian truce” along the contact line, exchanges of captives, remains of the deceased, the return of civilians, and “memorandums on the principles of a peaceful settlement” continue to be pertinent.
Following the second series of discussions between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in early June, Russian media disseminated the so-called “Memorandum,” which the Russian delegation conveyed to the Ukrainian delegation in Istanbul. In it, Russia sought the removal of Ukrainian forces from the Zaporizhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson regions as the initial measure for a ceasefire, along with the cessation of Western assistance to Ukraine throughout the duration of the “truce,” the halting of mobilization, the rescinding of martial law, and the conducting of elections, as well as Ukraine’s renunciation of engaging in “subversive actions” against Russia. It is on this specific “Memorandum” that Russia persists in working.
Moscow also consistently underscored that the dialogues in Istanbul “should transpire considering the actual circumstances and the results of the 2022 discussions.” At that juncture, Russia demanded complete neutrality from Ukraine, a trimming of troop numbers, and the occupied territories were to remain under Russian control. As per information subsequently published by the German periodical Die Welt, only a handful of elements remained unresolved and they were intended to be debated personally by the presidents of Russia and Ukraine at a meeting that ultimately did not materialize.
As the columnist from the international policy department of ZN.UA penned: Volodymyr Kravchenko, Moscow has consistently adhered to the concept of the “Istanbul Agreement”. Peruse the article elucidating why the “Treaty on Permanent Neutrality and Security Guarantees for Ukraine” could precipitate devastating repercussions for our nation. “Istanbul-2 will annihilate Ukraine.”
