Ukraine "Demand for Russian Neutralization Is Negotiable"... First High-Level Talks Between Both Sides in Turkey

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As the first high-level representative talks between Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to be held under Turkey's mediation, the Ukrainian government has expressed a willingness to discuss Russia's demand for Ukraine's neutralization. Although immediate ceasefire negotiations between the two parties are unlikely, expectations are rising that military tensions will significantly ease.

On the 9th (local time), Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV, "We are prepared for a diplomatic solution. It is possible to discuss Ukraine's neutralization as demanded by Russia," adding, "However, as a condition for this, security guarantees from surrounding countries and allies such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany are necessary, and Russia's security guarantees alone will not be sufficient."

This statement came ahead of the first high-level talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by Turkey since the outbreak of the war. As Russia's main justification for the war and its strongest demand?the neutralization of Ukraine and a pledge to prohibit military alliances with the West?are expected to be discussed, attention is focused on whether the high-level talks will significantly reduce military tensions.

The high-level representative talks between Ukraine and Russia, to be held in Antalya, Turkey, will be chaired by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Notably, this is the first overseas diplomatic schedule for the Russian Foreign Minister since the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia, and Russia is expected to take a more proactive approach to the talks than before.

However, it is expected to be difficult to reach an agreement on the issue of the Donbas region in Ukraine, where there is a significant difference in positions between the two sides. Russia insists on recognizing the separation and independence of the pro-Russian rebel forces in Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics within Donbas, as well as acknowledging Russia's occupation of the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014, but Ukraine maintains that it cannot accept these demands.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.