Negotiation talks between Russia and Ukraine commenced in Istanbul, Turkey where Russia promised to limit the military deployment in Kyiv and other cities.
On Tuesday, the Russian and Ukrainian diplomats met in Turkey, Istanbul to discuss the peace negotiations. After a month of intense war, on the invitation of Turkish President Erdogan, both the delegations decided to talk over the situation.
Russia planned to take control over the capital, Kyiv since the war began on Feb 24. Yet, after 35 days Ukraine was successful to not let Russia capture Kyiv. Although, when Russia failed to capture Kyiv, it started its offenses and tried to cut the capital from the rest of the world.
Till now, Russia has completely destroyed 2 major cities of Mariupol and Kharkiv.
Earlier Turkey issued a statement where it said that slapping sanctions on Russia will not help and end the war. Russia grew outrageous because of the sanctions and increased its offenses on Ukraine.
Since the beginning of war, both nations have had several meetings. But, neither Russia was ready to accept any negotiations nor Ukraine. Finally yesterday, both the sides decided to ceasefire, while Turkey served as a mediator.
Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey
The peace talks were held at the Istanbul Palace with the intervention of Turkey President, Erdogan. The talks started with a “Cold Welcome” as none of the delegations initiated a handshake.
The reports suggest that, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich was also present during the negotiations. The west imposed sanctions on several Russian entities. Roman Abramovich was one of them.
https://twitter.com/RTErdogan/status/1508742932571906052?s=20&t=osJUrOhpHYvl3y0PUq8KfA
The meeting concluded by Russia promising to reduce its military deployment in Ukrainian cities. The Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin stated, “A decision was made to radically, by a large margin, reduce military activity in the Kyiv and Chernihiv directions.”
As a result of the negotiations, Russia has started to move a small number of troops and tanks away from Kyiv.
The Pentagon on the other hand believes that the move is more of a repositioning than a withdrawal. The US suggests that, just because Russia has promised, it doesn’t imply that Ukraine is out of threat now.
Experts believed that the world cannot believe Russia and especially Putin. During, the beginning of the war, Russia stated that it is withdrawing its troops away from Ukrainian border. Later, within 2 days, Russia invaded Ukraine.
Proposals from the Ukrainian delegation
During the peace talks, the Ukrainian side said that Kyiv will not join any alliance or host bases of any foreign troops. However, Ukraine demanded guaranteed security in terms similar to “Article 5”, the collective defence clause of NATO military alliance.
In addition to this, Ukraine has mentioned the names of the countries that may provide them security. The countries include, Israel and NATO countries like Canada, Poland and Turkey. Further, countries like, Russia, USA, Britain, Germany, and Italy can also be involved.
Moreover, the issue regarding Crimea that was annexed by Russia in 2014 must be solved through a referendum or voting. This can be implemented through a 15-year consultation period.
On the other hand, the Donbas region, which the Russians demand Ukraine to hand over to the separatists, must be discussed by Ukraine and Russia.
Another proposal said that Russia must not interfere if Ukraine wishes to join any alliance. Russia should not oppose Ukraine joining the European Union.
As earlier, Russia invaded Ukraine due to the discussions of alliance between Ukraine and NATO. Russia opposed any alliance of Ukraine with EU and especially NATO.
Continuous offenses from Russia in Ukraine
The Russian delegation in Turkey said that they will present these proposals to their President, Vladimir Putin. Further, negotiating talks will commence between the two leaders. But, there is still a long way to go, as said by the Russian delegation.
On the contrary, Russian delegation was having peace talks with the Ukrainian delegation. While, at the same time, both the forces continued their attack on the ground
There were reports that a shell hit the Russian military base camp near the Ukrainian border in Russia. The sources suggested that it was fired from the Ukrainian side. Further, a series of explosions were heard near the city of Belgorod, near Ukrainian border. Details are awaited.
Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Mission stated that there is a possibility of thousands of deaths in the besieged city of Mariupol. The people stuck in the war areas suffer the most.
However, Ukraine has progressed and recaptured some of the areas on the outskirts of Kyiv. One of the recaptured area was full of burnt tanks and bits of Russian uniforms. The surrounding houses were destroyed.
Further, Russia plans to merge Ukraine’s Donetsk region, once it has full control on that area. Ukraine says such a move has no legal basis.
Published By: Manan Khurana
Editted By: Subbuthai Padma
