The Kremlin has indicated that a draft Russia-Ukraine agreement negotiated in 2022 could potentially serve as a starting point for future talks to end the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its third year. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that the draft document discussed in Istanbul in March 2022 could be the basis for negotiations, although any future talks would need to consider the new realities on the ground. Peskov noted that there have been changes since the document was initially discussed, including new entities being included in Russia’s constitution. In September 2022, Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions, a move that was widely condemned by Ukraine and its Western allies as unlawful.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently commented on the prospective peace talks that Switzerland is set to host in June. Putin expressed readiness for constructive work but warned against any attempts to enforce peace plans that do not align with the current realities. He highlighted that the Istanbul draft document could be a starting point for negotiations, stating, “We can work with it.” The document discussed in Istanbul reportedly included provisions for Ukraine’s neutral status and limitations on its armed forces. However, no deal was reached, and the negotiations collapsed shortly after the talks in Istanbul following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Russia has rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s peace formula, which calls for Russian troops to pull back, pay compensation to Ukraine, and face an international tribunal for their actions. Putin has justified Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine by stating that it was done to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from becoming a security threat by potentially joining NATO. Ukraine and its allies have criticized Russia’s military campaign as an unprovoked act of aggression. Putin has vowed to continue Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine, claiming that Russian forces have the upper hand following the failure of Ukraine’s counteroffensive. He believes that Ukraine and the West will eventually have to accept a settlement on Moscow’s terms.
Putin’s comments and the Kremlin’s willingness to consider the draft agreement from 2022 for future talks indicate a potential shift in Russia’s approach towards resolving the conflict with Ukraine. While there are still significant challenges and disagreements between the two sides, the acknowledgment of a possible starting point for negotiations could offer a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community will closely monitor the developments surrounding the proposed peace talks and continue to push for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Ultimately, the path to peace will require compromise, dialogue, and a commitment from all parties involved to prioritize the well-being and stability of the region.
