Russia reaffirms Istanbul agreements as key framework for Ukraine peace talks
Then-Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu gives a thank you speech during the peace talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine at Dolmabahce Presidential Office in Istanbul, Turkiye on March 29, 2022. (AA Photo)
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Friday that Russia continues to view the 2022 Istanbul agreements as the foundation for negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov noted that the United States has also acknowledged the possibility of using the Russia-Ukraine Istanbul agreements as a basis for a future peace deal.
“We have also heard statements from Washington suggesting that this could serve as a foundation, a starting point for negotiations. And, of course, President Putin has reiterated that the Istanbul agreements could form the basis for discussions,” Peskov said.
In March 2022, Russia and Ukraine held multiple rounds of talks in Istanbul, which resulted in a draft peace agreement. However, Kyiv later withdrew from the agreement, with Ukrainian officials later claiming the decision was influenced by then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Russia monitors EU’s rearmament plans
Peskov also addressed the European Union’s rearmament efforts, stating that Russia is closely watching developments as the EU positions Moscow as its main adversary.
“This is a process we are watching closely, as the EU positions Russia as its main adversary,” Peskov said, adding that European leaders have openly declared that their military buildup is aimed at countering Russia.
The Kremlin views the EU’s military plans with concern and may consider countermeasures to ensure Russia’s security.
“There might be a need to take appropriate retaliatory measures to safeguard our safety,” Peskov added.
On Thursday, EU leaders agreed to significantly boost defense spending to bolster Europe’s security, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposing an €800 billion ($870 billion) rearmament plan. The plan calls for each EU nation to increase military spending by 1.5%.
Peskov criticized the EU’s militarization efforts, arguing that they contradict efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
“The confrontational rhetoric and developments we are currently witnessing in Brussels and other European capitals are, of course, fundamentally at odds with any intention to pursue a peaceful settlement around Ukraine,” Peskov said.
