Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his desire to restore "Istanbul arrangements" at the Shanhai Collaboration Organization in Astana, Kazakhstan. According to Russian media reports, he stated that these agreements remain relevant and can serve as a basis for further negotiations.
Putin also stated that Ukraine allegedly refused Istanbul talks in the spring of 2022 at the instructions of the United Kingdom. "Russia is known to have always been ready to continue peace talks. Ukraine has abandoned them under the influence of London, and this is known from Washington and Ukrainian sources," he said.
The President of the Russian Federation also stated that the then head of the Ukrainian delegation, the People's Deputy David Arahamia, allegedly signed the agreement. "It was done by the head of the Ukrainian negotiation delegation, so it should be satisfactory for Ukraine," Putin added.
It should be reminded that negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation in Istanbul took place on March 29, 2022 and provided for the neutral status of Ukraine and withdrawing troops of the Russian Federation from the occupied territories.
In April 2022, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky expressed difficulties in conducting negotiations with Russia after reports of crimes committed during the occupation of Bucha, but emphasized the need for dialogue.
