In an interview with Haberturk broadcaster on Wednesday, Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus revealed that Russia and Ukraine were close to agreeing peace terms during the Istanbul talks in the spring of 2022. However, he added that some countries did not want these efforts to succeed. Both Moscow and Kiev appreciate Ankara’s efforts to mediate in the conflict, with Kurtulmus stating that his country remains a unique actor in this capacity.
Numerous media reports and statements by top Russian officials have confirmed that the two sides were close to ending hostilities. Kurtulmus explained that both parties had reached the final point to ensure a just and reasonable peace that both sides could accept, with the matter almost reaching the point of a signature. However, he expressed regret that some countries did not want the war to end, specifically pointing out the United States as one such entity.
According to Kurtulmus, Washington was trying to consolidate the European continent through the war in Ukraine and wanted to keep Russia busy with a serious problem. Additionally, the US sees regional turbulence as important in terms of maintaining the balance of power in the region. To achieve peace, Ukraine and Russia first need to clearly state their own political intentions for the conflict to end as soon as possible.
During the Istanbul talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that both Moscow and Kiev were on the verge of signing a peace deal under which Ukraine would have committed to “permanent neutrality.” This would mean that it would have abandoned ambitions to join NATO while downsizing its military and providing certain security guarantees.
Moscow has insisted that the talks were scuppered by then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who allegedly advised Kiev to “keep fighting.” Johnson has denied this claim, but David Arakhamia, the head of the Ukrainian delegation, has acknowledged that he played an influential role.
In early July, Putin signaled that the tentative Istanbul agreement could still serve as a springboard for future talks with Kiev. However, after Ukraine’s large-scale incursion in Kursk Region earlier this month, Moscow ruled out any engagement with Kiev as long as it continues to attack civilians.