Putin Emphasizes Diplomacy as Key to Resolving Complex Geopolitical Issues, Suggests Istanbul Agreements Could Serve as Foundation for Ukrainian Conflict Resolution

During the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts and dialogue in resolving complex geopolitical issues. He stated that agreements developed during the Istanbul negotiations in 2022 could still serve as the foundation for a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict today.

Putin pointed out that while these agreements were not officially signed, they were initialed by the Ukrainian delegation and believed to be beneficial for Ukraine. He suggested that ongoing negotiations should consider and use these agreements as a basis for peace talks.

The draft of the Istanbul Agreement, which Ukraine had agreed to, included clauses requiring Ukraine to maintain neutrality and refrain from hosting any foreign military bases on its territory. This agreement was released earlier this year, providing transparency to the public about the terms that were discussed during negotiations.

As tensions remain high in the region and ongoing discussions continue to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, Putin’s comments highlight the importance of diplomatic efforts and dialogue in resolving complex geopolitical issues.