Putin Signals Readiness for Ukraine Talks Based on 2022 Istanbul Agreement

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his willingness to engage in negotiations with Ukraine, contingent upon the terms of a previously aborted deal from 2022.

Speaking at a forum in Vladivostok on September 5, 2024, Putin emphasized that Russia has always been open to dialogue but insists that any talks must adhere to the agreement initially reached in Istanbul. "Are we ready to negotiate with them? We have never refused to do so, but not on the basis of some ephemeral demands, but on the basis of those documents that were agreed and actually initialled in Istanbul," Putin stated.

This declaration comes after Russia had earlier claimed that Ukraine's actions in the Kursk region made negotiations impossible.

The Istanbul agreement, which was nearly finalized in 2022, serves as the foundation for Putin's current stance on resuming talks.

The announcement has garnered attention, especially given the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the impact of the conflict on global stability. It remains to be seen how Ukraine will respond to this renewed call for negotiations and whether the Istanbul agreement can serve as a viable framework for peace.