Three Years After the Outbreak of War... Russia and Ukraine Hold High-Level Talks in Istanbul

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

Russia and Ukraine have resumed high-level talks in Istanbul for the first time in three years.
Ukraine has stated plans to propose an unconditional ceasefire and a meeting between the leaders of the two countries.
Russia has conveyed that it aims to build long-term peace as an extension of the 2022 peace negotiations.

On the 16th (local time), Russia and Ukraine began face-to-face negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey. This is the first time in over three years since the outbreak of the Ukraine war in March 2022 that such talks have been held, with representatives from both countries sitting down together.

The negotiation delegations from both countries met at the Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul starting at 1:35 PM (7:35 AM Korean time) for a closed-door meeting. The talks were initially scheduled for the previous day, but were delayed by a day due to a dispute over the timing and qualifications of the delegations.

From the Russian side, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky attended as the chief representative, while from the Ukrainian side, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov participated. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also attended as a mediator.

Earlier, Reuters reported, citing sources, that "the Ukrainian delegation will prioritize discussing an unconditional ceasefire and propose a meeting between the leaders of the two countries."

The source added, "Humanitarian confidence-building measures are also needed, including the repatriation of Ukrainian children, the release of detained civilians, and the exchange of prisoners of war according to the principle of full exchange."

Russia views this dialogue as an extension of the peace negotiations halted in March 2022, with the goal of 'building long-term peace.'

At that time, Russia had demanded Ukraine's neutrality, recognition of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, as Russian territory, and recognition of the independence of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, a stronghold of pro-Russian separatist forces.

If there is no change in Russia's position in this negotiation, it seems unlikely that any noteworthy results will emerge from today's talks.

This negotiation was realized after the United States and Europe pressured Russia for a 30-day ceasefire, and Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky counter-proposed a meeting between the leaders, but the summit was not held due to President Putin's refusal.

Reporter Lee Bo-bae, Hankyung.com guest reporter newsinfo@hankyung.com