First Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Since Invasion
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) — The initial direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since the early days of Moscow’s 2022 invasion lasted under two hours on Friday. While both parties consented to a significant prisoner exchange, they remained significantly divided on crucial terms for halting the conflict.
Ceasefire Demands
Ukraine, with support from Western allies, insists on a temporary ceasefire as a starting point for peaceful negotiations. However, the Kremlin has resisted such a truce, which continues to be unattainable. “We haven’t received a Russian ‘yes’ on this basic point,” stated Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhii after the discussions, emphasizing the need for silencing the guns for serious negotiations.
Reactions to the Talks
Head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, expressed satisfaction with the discussions, asserting Moscow’s readiness for ongoing dialogue. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conversed about the talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, alongside leaders from France, Germany, the U.K., and Poland, who emphasized the importance of imposing “tough sanctions” on Moscow if it rejects calls for a complete ceasefire.
Prisoner Exchange Agreement
In a significant agreement, both sides settled on a prisoner swap of 1,000 individuals, marking the largest such exchange to date. Discussions also revolved around potential ceasefires and the prospect of a meeting between the heads of state, as reported by Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
New Demands from Russia
Russian representatives introduced new, “unacceptable” conditions which included demands for the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from various territories, according to an anonymous Ukrainian official. The Ukrainian side reiterated its focus on achieving significant progress, emphasizing an immediate ceasefire and substantive diplomatic pathways.
Continued Pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy, while attending a European political summit in Albania, stressed that pressure on Russia must persist until it agrees to end the war. Amid diplomatic maneuvers, officials from both countries highlighted their eagerness to negotiate, though frustrations about slow progress were evident.
Ongoing Fighting and Casualties
As diplomatic discussions unfolded, fighting continued in Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials pointing to a need for persistent international pressure. The toll of the invasion remains severe, with over 12,000 civilian deaths reported by the U.N., alongside significant military casualties. Despite the uncertainty surrounding future negotiations, many Ukrainian soldiers hold out hope for eventual peace.
