Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked on Thursday that Ukraine and its Western allies dismissed the peace deals brokered during the Istanbul talks in March 2022, opting instead to pursue a “strategic defeat” of Russia.
During a speech at the economic forum in Vladivostok, Putin stated that most conditions for a peace agreement were outlined in those discussions, but the situation shifted after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s involvement, which, according to Putin, encouraged Ukraine to prolong the conflict.
Putin also suggested that Ukrainian officials have admitted the war could have ended much sooner if they had honored the Istanbul agreements, which were designed to pave the way for peace. He stressed that Russia has always been open to negotiations and remains willing to engage in talks centered on the principles agreed upon in Istanbul.
The Russian leader blamed Ukraine’s decision to refuse further negotiations on external pressure from both London and Washington. He reiterated that the terms established in the Istanbul talks, including provisions for Ukraine’s neutrality and possible EU membership, could still serve as a foundation for future discussions.
However, he cautioned that any new talks should adhere to the original terms rather than accommodate fresh demands from Ukraine or its allies.
