Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul aim for ceasefire breakthrough
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have commenced in Istanbul, as reported by the Kremlin agency TASS. According to the report, the delegations from Kyiv and Moscow did not exchange handshakes in Istanbul.
The second round of talks between the Moscow and Kyiv delegations has kicked off in Istanbul. Both parties have pledged to work on terms that could potentially lead to a ceasefire.
Just prior to the talks, Ukraine's full memorandum text was made public. This negotiation proposal outlines conditions for a complete ceasefire, the return of deported children and prisoners, security guarantees, and the preservation of sovereignty and borders.
The text also details the specific principles, stages, and mechanisms that would govern post-war relations with Russia.
Memorandum text
I. Key Principles of the Agreement and the Negotiation Process
- Full and unconditional ceasefire in the sky, on land and at sea as a necessary background and prerequisite for peace negotiations..
- Confidence-building measures – addressing humanitarian issues: unconditionally return all deported and illegally displaced Ukrainian children. Exchange of all prisoners (the "all for all" principle). Release by Russia of all civilian hostages.
- Non-repetition of aggression: The aim of the negotiations is to restore a permanent basis for lasting peace and security and to ensure that aggression does not occur again.
- Security guarantees and engagement of the international community: Ukraine must receive robust security guarantees. The parties will invite the international community to participate in the negotiations and provide guarantees to ensure the implementation of the agreements.
- Sovereignty: Ukraine is not forced to be neutral. It can choose to be part of the Euro-Atlantic community and move towards EU membership. Ukraine’s membership in NATO depends on consensus within the Alliance. No restrictions may be imposed on the number, deployment, or other parameters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as on the deployment of troops of friendly foreign states on the territory of Ukraine.
- Territorial issues: Territorial gains made by Russia since February 2014 are not recognized by the international community. The contact line is the starting point for negotiations. Territory issues are discussed only after a full and unconditional ceasefire.
- Sanctions: Some sanctions may be lifted from Russia, but in stages and only gradually, with a mechanism for resuming sanctions if necessary (snapback). Frozen Russian sovereign assets are used for reconstruction or remain frozen until reparations are paid..
- Implementation: Agree on a clear, balanced and achievable roadmap for implementation and enforcement of the agreements..
