Upcoming Turkey Peace Talks: What to Expect from Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine and Russia will meet in Turkey for peace talks, with Zelensky insisting on a meeting with Putin. Russia has rejected demands for a ceasefire, and skepticism surrounds the talks amid longstanding tensions. Trump’s potential involvement complicates dynamics as both sides maintain irreconcilable positions.
Ukraine and Russia are gearing up for peace talks in Turkey, the first since discussions broke off three years ago. President Volodymyr Zelensky has clearly stated he will attend the negotiation, but only if Russian leader Vladimir Putin is there. “I will be waiting for Putin in Turkey,” Zelensky said. In contrast, Russia’s stance remains firm, rejecting Ukraine’s demands for an unconditional ceasefire, which they insist compromise their stated objectives.
The backdrop of this renewed dialogue includes a transformative political landscape, with Donald Trump resuming his presidential role. His support adds a different dimension, with Trump suggesting he might fly in to join the talks. “I hope that the Russians will not avoid this meeting,” Zelensky noted, underscoring the high stakes at play. However, whether Putin will actually attend is uncertain; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept comments vague about potential attendees from Russia.
Zelensky’s aides have emphasized that without Putin, the negotiations would be futile. They see him as the sole decision-maker on the Russian side. Chief of staff Andriy Yermak remarked that Putin’s absence would signal a lack of desire on Russia’s part for peace. Past negotiations since the initial invasion in 2014 have failed to lead to any real resolution, casting doubt on the potential outcomes of this meeting.
Previous talks between Ukraine and Russia, facilitated by the Trump administration in Saudi Arabia this year, yielded little progress. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, along with Yermak, engaged in discussions with Russia led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. However, Lavrov’s influence over Putin’s strategic decisions remains questionable.
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been actively involved, claiming a new opportunity for peace has emerged, specifically mentioning past talks in Turkey that nearly succeeded. Yet despite this optimism from Turkey, few experts believe a resolution to end the ongoing conflict will be reached.
Prospects appear bleak when considering both sides’ demands. Russia insists Ukraine must disarm and recognize territory gains, including Crimea, while Kyiv and its allies see these conditions as undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. The issue of Crimea is particularly contentious, as any recognition of Russia’s claim is a non-starter for Ukraine.
Additionally, Ukraine’s European allies, such as the UK, demand an immediate ceasefire from Russia before any peace agreements can proceed. In response, Moscow shows defiance, indicating it’s not intimidated by threats of sanctions. The last talks, held in Turkey back in March 2022, concluded without agreement, demonstrating a historical pattern of unsuccessful negotiations.
Overall, while the talks might be a step toward dialogue, the entrenched positions of both nations indicate that finding common ground will be particularly challenging. The specter of continued violence looms large as both nations dig in their heels, underscoring the difficult road that lies ahead.
In summary, the upcoming peace talks in Turkey mark a significant moment for Ukraine and Russia, with both sides exhibiting skepticism about reaching a meaningful agreement. While Zelensky is ready to attend if Putin shows up, Russia’s conditions remain uncompromising. With Trump’s involvement and Erdogan’s encouragement, there’s some hope for progress, but entrenched positions on both sides cast a shadow over the potential for an effective resolution.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
