During the recent summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his belief that the agreements made during the Istanbul negotiations in 2022 could still serve as a foundation for a resolution in Ukraine today. According to Putin, these agreements were initialed by the Ukrainian delegation and were likely beneficial to Ukraine. He emphasized that the terms laid out in the Istanbul Agreement, which included Ukraine agreeing to maintain neutrality and not host foreign military bases, are still relevant and open for negotiation.
The public release of the draft of the Istanbul Agreement earlier this year shed light on the commitments that Ukraine was prepared to make. These included pledges to remain neutral and refrain from allowing foreign military presence on its soil. Putin’s remarks at the summit suggest that these terms could be a starting point for ongoing discussions and negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
In conclusion, while not formally signed, the Istanbul agreements hold significance and can provide a framework for future diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability to Ukraine. Putin’s endorsement of these agreements highlights their potential importance in finding a solution to the ongoing conflict in the region.
