Offering capitulation again? Russia’s position in negotiations with Ukraine revealed
Photo: Vladimir Medinsky, head of the Russian delegation in Istanbul (facebook.com/myRTVI)
Russia views future negotiations with Ukraine as a "continuation of the negotiation process in Istanbul" in 2022. The aggressor supposedly wants peace, but only on its own terms, states the head of the Russian delegation at the Istanbul talks, aide to Putin, Vladimir Medinsky, according to RIA-Novosti.
According to Medinsky, yesterday, Putin held a meeting where he set the tasks and defined Russia’s negotiation position.
"We view these negotiations as a continuation of the peace process in Istanbul, which, unfortunately, was interrupted by the Ukrainian side three years ago," he added.
Medinsky clarified that the Russian delegation supposedly has all the necessary competencies and authority to conduct negotiations.
"The delegation is committed to a constructive approach, seeking possible solutions and common ground. The goal of direct negotiations with the Ukrainian side is, sooner or later, to establish long-term peace by addressing the root causes of the conflict," the head of the Russian delegation added.
Negotiations in 2022
Ukraine and Russia already held talks in Istanbul back in 2022. At that time, Russia proposed that Ukraine sign the so-called Istanbul Agreement.
According to Western media reports, the proposal included reducing the size of the Ukrainian army, Ukraine’s neutrality, and restrictions on certain missiles. In fact, this proposal amounted to capitulation.
In March, the US special presidential envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that such an agreement was unlikely to serve as a foundation for peace between Ukraine and Russia.
