Ahead of the upcoming round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul, negotiators from Kyiv revealed that the current draft declaration does not include the demilitarisation and de-Nazification of Ukraine.
The Financial Times reported that the ceasefire declaration currently under discussion does not mention Moscow’s initial three demands of “de-Nazification,” “demilitarisation,” and protection for the Russian language-speaking population. However, Ukrainian officials cautioned that Russia’s position on these issues, particularly the demilitarisation of Ukraine, was changing daily.
David Arakhamia, the leader of Ukraine’s ruling party and one of the chief negotiators visiting Turkey, told the Financial Times that Moscow and Kyiv are close to reaching a consensus on Ukraine’s security guarantees and its plans to join the European Union (EU). In exchange, Ukraine would refrain from acquiring nuclear weapons, establishing foreign military bases, and attaining North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) membership.
Round of heads of delegations. David Arakhamia and Vladimir Medinsky. On the fundamental provisions of the negotiation process. Delegations are working in parallel on the entire spectrum of contentious issues. pic.twitter.com/JsSZv7X9ZA
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) March 29, 2022
Arakhamia described Ukraine’s security demands as having “wording close to NATO Article 5” and noted the demands include guarantees from Russia, the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, France, Germany, China, Italy, Poland, Israel, and Turkey. He emphasised that Ukraine is looking for international guarantees against future Russian attacks, noting that the aforementioned countries are yet to accept or reject their proposal.
While talking about Ukraine officially recognising the statehood of separatist regions in the Donbas as part of Russia’s demand, Arakhamia said, “We will never recognise any kind of borders except as they are in our Declaration of Independence,” noting that this is a critical issue for Kyiv.
"The whole world is awaiting the good news that will come from you."
— euronews (@euronews) March 29, 2022
🇹🇷 Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urges the delegations from Ukraine and Russia to agree to a ceasefire, ahead of the next round of peace talks in Istanbul. #UkraineRussia pic.twitter.com/kFDeLQ0b1i
In a separate address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed sentiments similar to Arakhamia, stressing that the so-called “de-Nazification” and “demilitarisation” of Ukraine are “informational throw-ins” that Russia uses to delay negotiations. He emphasised that those two issues were “completely incomprehensible” to him. Regarding Russia’s security guarantees, Zelensky vowed to hold a referendum in Ukraine, saying that such decisions lie in the hands of the people.
The latest round of Ukraine-Russia peace talks are underway in Istanbul.
— max seddon (@maxseddon) March 29, 2022
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Putin’s unofficial mediator, is onsite, seen here chatting to Erdogan at the start. pic.twitter.com/o0jd4bspLp
On Monday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “For now, unfortunately, we cannot speak of any significant achievements and breakthroughs,” as it could hinder the negotiation process.
In a parallel development, the Wall Street Journal reported that Russian billionaire and long-time Putin ally Roman Abramovich and another Ukrainian negotiator were allegedly poisoned at peace talking in Kyiv on March 3. Abramovich is also taking part in the negotiations in Turkey after being designated as a negotiator by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"No Handshake 🤝"
— Real Mac Report (@RealMacReport) March 29, 2022
The new round of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia has begun at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, Putin’s unofficial mediator, is onsite and he was warned "not to eat or drink" during new round of peace talks. pic.twitter.com/q1nZoNCYCb