Ukrainian and Russian delegations hailed “constructive” talks that took place in Istanbul on Tuesday, in separate statements made after the meeting, according to DailySabah.
Ukraine wants to see eight countries, including Turkey, as guarantor states, according to a negotiator who spoke after the meeting with the Russian delegation in Istanbul on Tuesday.
Ukraine proposed adopting neutral status in exchange for security guarantees at the latest round of talks with Russia, meaning it would not join military alliances or host military bases.
The proposals would also include a 15-year consultation period on the status of annexed Crimea and could come into force only in the event of a complete cease-fire, the negotiators told reporters in Istanbul.
Neutral status would include not having foreign military bases in Ukraine, the negotiator said.
Meanwhile, the top Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said talks with Ukraine in Istanbul were constructive.
“We will convey Ukraine’s suggestions to President Putin,” Medinsky said.
The Russian Defense Ministry said operations around Kyiv and Chernihiv will be suspended for dialogue after the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian delegation said Kyiv will not join NATO but it’s bid to join the EU cannot be blocked. In a later statement, Medinsky said Russia is not against Ukraine joining the bloc.
While Ukraine’s negotiator said a meeting between Ukrainian, Russian presidents were possible after Tuesday’s peace talks in Istanbul, Medinsky said such a meeting would only be possible if a deal has been rubber stamped by the foreign ministers of both countries.
