At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his belief that the agreements made during the Istanbul negotiations in 2022 could serve as a foundation for resolving the conflict in Ukraine today. He noted that these agreements were initialed by the Ukrainian delegation and were likely beneficial to Ukraine. Putin 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 draft of the Istanbul Agreement was recently made public earlier this year, shedding light on the commitments Ukraine was prepared to make. These included pledges to remain neutral and refrain from allowing foreign military presence on its soil. The significance of these agreements cannot be overstated, as they provide a framework for future diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing about peace and stability in Ukraine.
Putin’s endorsement of these agreements at the summit underscores their potential importance in finding a solution to the ongoing conflict in the region. The Russian leader’s statement suggests that these terms could be a starting point for ongoing discussions and negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. It is clear that any resolution to this conflict will require diplomatic efforts, and these agreements provide a solid foundation upon which such efforts can be built.
In conclusion, while not formally signed, the Istanbul agreements continue to hold significance as they provide a framework for future diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing about peace and stability in Ukraine. Putin’s endorsement of these agreements highlights their potential importance in finding a solution to this ongoing conflict in the region.