Analysis-Istanbul Peace Talks Laid Bare Chasm Between Ukraine and Russia

A step forward or strategic ploy? Why Russia-Ukraine talks offer little real hope for a ceasefire

The first high level talks between Russia and Ukraine since the early months of Moscow's 2022 attack showed they are far from agreement on steps needed for a ceasefire, even though they promised a major swap of prisoners of war.

Istanbul peace talks laid bare chasm between Ukraine and Russia

A window for more diplomacy remains ajar, after the sworn enemies agreed in principle to hold further talks. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Analysis-Istanbul peace talks laid bare chasm between Ukraine and Russia

By Tom Balmforth

Negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul for almost two hours, and according to the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Defence Minister Rustum Umerov, the parties discussed the ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners of war.

In Istanbul, the first negotiations since April 2022 between Ukraine and Russia on an end to the war end after less than two hours. Moscow attacks unabated.

Boris Čibej, in his commentary The High Price of Defeat, writes that the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations in Istanbul last week were also important because they showed at least a willingness in principle on the part of both countries to consider how to finally move from actions to words. He also finds the very similar official responses from the hostile capitals encouraging.