Russia has indicated that a draft peace agreement negotiated with Ukraine in the early days of the conflict could serve as a basis for future talks to end the fighting. The Kremlin spokesperson mentioned that the document discussed in Istanbul in March 2022 might be used as a starting point for negotiations, although any future talks would need to consider the 'new realities' that have emerged since then.
In September 2022, Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions, a move that has been rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies as unlawful. The draft document from the Istanbul discussions reportedly included provisions for Ukraine's neutral status, limitations on its armed forces, and delayed talks on the status of Russian-occupied areas. However, no agreement was reached, and negotiations collapsed shortly after.
Despite calls for peace talks, Russia has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's proposed peace formula, which includes demands for troop withdrawal, compensation, and facing an international tribunal. On the other hand, Ukraine has rejected negotiating with Russia without guarantees of Moscow's withdrawal from occupied territories, which currently encompass a significant portion of the country.
While Ukrainian officials have not faced pressure from Western allies to engage in talks with Russia, accepting negotiations would be a controversial move domestically and could impact national morale after years of conflict and casualties. Ukrainian forces are facing challenges against the better-equipped Russian military, especially as a new U.S. military aid package remains stalled in Congress.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed readiness for constructive work but warned against enforced peace plans. He reiterated Russia's stance on protecting its interests in Ukraine and preventing perceived security threats from Kyiv joining NATO. Putin has vowed to extend Moscow's gains in Ukraine and asserted that Ukraine and the West will eventually have to accept a settlement on Moscow's terms.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War announced the repatriation of 99 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies from Russia, with the majority having fought in various regions of Ukraine.
