Russian-Ukrainian delegates to meet in Istanbul for peace negotiations
Russia is planning to drop its demand that Ukraine is 'denazified,' and is willing to allow the nation to join the EU if it stays militarily non-aligned as part of peace negotiations, The Financial Times reported.
According to FT's sources, the proposed ceasefire agreement does not address three of Russia's initial demands- denazification," "demilitarisation," and legal protection for the Russian language in Ukraine.
Moreover, Russia appears to be willing to leave Kyiv's leadership in place.
However, authorities in Kyiv were claimed to be concerned that Moscow was altering its stance nearly daily, and that Russia was dangling the prospect of peace to buy time to reorganize on the military front.
Both sides' delegates will meet in Istanbul on Tuesday for the fourth round of peace negotiations aimed at ending President Putin's full-fledged invasion of Ukraine.
In a late-night broadcast to the country, Zelenskyy said he desired peace as quickly as possible but outlined his negotiations.
“Our priorities in the negotiations are known. Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are beyond doubt. Effective security guarantees for our state are mandatory,” he said.
“Our goal is obvious,” Zelenskyy said, “peace and the restoration of the normal life of our native state as soon as possible.”
Picture Credits: The Moscow Times