Talks in Istanbul: Charting the path to Ukraine-Russia ceasefire
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have begun in Istanbul, as reported by the Kremlin agency TASS. The delegations from Kyiv and Moscow did not exchange handshakes in Istanbul, they added.
The second round of negotiations between the delegations of Moscow and Kyiv has commenced in Istanbul. The parties have committed to preparing the conditions necessary for potentially achieving a ceasefire.
Just before the talks started, the full text of the memorandum prepared by Ukraine was published. Within the framework of the negotiation proposal, Kyiv outlines conditions for a complete ceasefire, the return of deported children and prisoners, security guarantees, and the protection of sovereignty and borders.
The text also includes specific principles, stages, and mechanisms intended to regulate 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..
