Russia seeks talks from 2022 positions, demands ground reality terms
Photo: advisor to the Russian dictator Yuri Ushakov (Russian media)
Russia has stated that it wants to resume negotiations with Ukraine based on the positions of 2022. However, Moscow insists on taking into account the "situation on the ground," meaning the occupation of Ukrainian territories, according to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin's advisor, Yuri Ushakov, as quoted by Russian media.
Putin demands that Russia and Ukraine resume talks in Istanbul, considering the outcomes of the 2022 negotiations and the "situation on the ground."
"In light of this, of course, considering the real situation," Ushakov said.
He did not reveal who Putin might send for such negotiations.
"The president will give the order, and then we will announce it," said the dictator’s advisor.
Dmitry Peskov, the dictator's press secretary, stated that the goals of the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would be "eliminating the root cause of the conflict and ensuring Russia's interests."
What Ukraine and Russia discussed in 2022
It’s worth recalling that after the full-scale war began, Ukraine and Russia held several rounds of negotiations. These took place in Belarus and Istanbul, but no agreements were reached.
The Russian side claims that the so-called Istanbul Agreement was allegedly developed as a result of these meetings. Putin even showed a supposed draft of such an agreement. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that "there was never any Istanbul Agreement." He emphasized that Moscow sought not agreements or compromises, but Ukraine's capitulation.
Western media published the key points of a possible peace deal between Ukraine and Russia from 2022. It included a ban on Ukraine joining NATO, reducing the Ukrainian armed forces to 85,000, and significantly cutting back weaponry and military equipment.
The agreement also stated that Crimea should remain under Russian control, and the future of the Donbas, occupied since 2014, would be discussed personally by Putin and Zelenskyy.
In case of a renewed attack, Ukraine sought the closure of its airspace and military assistance from Western countries, but Russia did not agree to this.
Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
On May 10, a significant meeting took place in Kyiv with the leaders of the Coalition of the Willing. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Ukraine’s capital.
Together with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they made a call to US President Donald Trump. Following this, Ukraine announced its readiness for a complete ceasefire on land, air, and sea for at least 30 days, starting on May 12.
European leaders warned Russia of new sanctions if it refused. However, Vladimir Putin ignored this initiative. Instead, he proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul starting May 15, without any preconditions.
Putin stated that on May 11, he would discuss this with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In response, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine was ready for talks, but only if Russia agreed to a ceasefire.
