Russia and Ukraine Sit Down for the First Time in 3 Years, But High-Level Ceasefire Talks End 'Empty-Handed'

Source

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

It was reported that the recent ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine ended without results in 90 minutes.
Both sides only agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, but there were differences in ceasefire methods.
Despite President Putin's mention of the necessity of a summit, no substantial progress was made through this negotiation.

'Istanbul Talks' Ended in 90 Minutes

Could Not Narrow Differences on Military Withdrawal and Ceasefire Methods

Agreed to Exchange 1,000 Prisoners Each

Anticipated US-Russia Summit Did Not Materialize

Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, held for the first time in three years since the war broke out, ended without results in about 90 minutes. As differences over ceasefire methods and territorial issues were confirmed, there is a growing expectation that dialogue between leaders is necessary for substantial progress.

According to AFP, the negotiations held on the 16th in Istanbul, Türkiye, mediated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, ended in about an hour and a half. This meeting was the first official contact attended by high-level officials from both countries since the breakdown of negotiations in March 2022. Initially scheduled for the 15th, it was postponed by a day due to disputes over delegation qualifications and meeting formats. On the Russian side, Kremlin aide Vladimir Medinsky attended as the chief representative, while on the Ukrainian side, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov attended.

It is reported that Russia demanded military withdrawal from some territories controlled by Ukraine at the negotiation table. In response, Ukraine strongly opposed, calling it "virtually unacceptable conditions." AFP quoted a Ukrainian diplomatic source saying, "Russia presented demands that were impossible to realize from the start."

However, even as the negotiations reached a stalemate, both sides agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners each. No further negotiation schedule has been confirmed.

Approaches to ceasefire methods also differed significantly. Ukraine demanded the immediate implementation of the '30-day ceasefire proposal' suggested by the United States, but Russia insisted on "building long-term peace" based on the 2022 negotiation proposal. This proposal was perceived as surrender conditions by Ukraine at the time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the European Political Community (EPC) summit held in Tirana, Albania, "Ukraine's top priority is an unconditional ceasefire," and "It must be implemented immediately to stop the killing and lay the groundwork for diplomacy." He further pointed out, "If Russia even rejects that, it is a clear signal that President Vladimir Putin is rejecting diplomacy."

This negotiation was realized after President Putin proposed "Let's start negotiations on the 15th" on the 11th. President Zelensky counter-proposed a summit, and US President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of visiting Istanbul during his Middle East tour, raising expectations for a trilateral summit. However, as President Putin only sent a working-level delegation, the talks concluded at a high level, and President Trump returned home as scheduled.

Nevertheless, the US and Russia still agree on the necessity of a summit. President Trump said, "I will see what happens," and "I am ready to meet (Putin) anytime if necessary." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, "A summit is undoubtedly necessary," and "productive high-level dialogue on international issues, including Ukraine, must take place."

Reporter Lee So-hyun y2eonlee@hankyung.com