Turkey anticipates signals for Ukraine peace negotiations as the EU urges Russia to withdraw from the battlefield

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, recent developments have brought about a series of significant events.

During a session at the European Parliament, Kaja Kallas, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called on Russia to withdraw from the battlefield and engage in peaceful negotiations. Kallas emphasized the West's united stance in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, stating, "There are now serious commitments on the table of the Coalition of the Willing."

The negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have been ongoing, with Turkey hosting three rounds of direct peace talks since the conflict began. The most recent round of talks, held in Istanbul's Ciragan Palace, lasted approximately one hour. However, the next round of negotiations has been put on hold due to Hungary's veto.

The Istanbul negotiations produced notable outcomes, including major prisoner swaps and an exchange of draft memorandums outlining both sides' positions for a future peace deal. Russia has proposed that Ukraine form three working groups to operate online, a suggestion that was made during the third round of talks in late July.

The EU has been actively involved in the situation, with the EU deciding to start negotiations with Ukraine on Dec. 14-15, 2023. Since the war began, the EU and its member states have provided approximately €169 billion ($198.8B) in financial support, including over €63 billion ($74.1B) in military assistance.

The positions of Russia and Ukraine on draft memorandums for settlement remain "very far apart," according to Vladimir Medinsky, assistant to the Russian president who headed the Russian delegation. Kallas underlined that Ukraine has taken necessary steps on its membership path, declaring, "The time has come to start negotiations for the first cluster of chapters."

Kallas also warned that when peace is achieved, Russia must not be allowed to rearm and attack again. This warning was prompted by Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat to attack "all Western forces in the field, including peacekeeping forces" the day after the Sept. 4 Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that Russian and Ukrainian delegations will meet in Istanbul to discuss specific military and humanitarian issues. However, the exact next date for these negotiations has not been publicly confirmed, as Ukraine has requested to review the Russian memorandum in advance, and discussions on timing remain uncertain as of mid-2025.

As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The EU, along with its member states, will continue to support Ukraine in its pursuit of peace and stability.

Turkey anticipates signals for Ukraine peace negotiations as the EU urges Russia to withdraw from the battlefield