The negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia has been temporarily interrupted: the parties have taken a pause in peace talks in Istanbul
On Friday, an unexpected and important news broke for the entire global community: negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia, which have been ongoing for several days as part of diplomatic efforts to seek peace, were temporarily halted. Initially, the information circulated through unofficial sources, and later it was confirmed by official reports from numerous analytical agencies. According to sources from "Suspilne," both sides are currently remaining in the palace where consultations took place; however, negotiations are currently suspended. A correspondent of the publication, who is on the spot of the meeting, reported that delegations from both countries continue to stay inside the premises, but no active negotiation work is currently underway. At the same time, sources from Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs note that official talks have been stopped until further agreement and review of positions. According to SkyNews, citing sources within the Turkish MFA, the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia concluded prematurely. This likely means that the parties did not reach prior agreements or encountered potential obstacles, such as a sharp escalation on the battlefield, disagreements on key issues, or a lack of compromise. In any case, this temporary break in the diplomatic dialogue could have significant consequences for the further development of events. It remains unknown when negotiations will resume and whether a way to overcome internal and external barriers to return to constructive dialogue will be found. There is also a risk that this pause could lead to an escalation of tensions on the frontlines and in diplomatic circles, complicating the direct search for peace. Overall, experts emphasize that it is important for the international community to monitor the situation and encourage both sides to return to the negotiating table. Despite the difficulties, diplomatic means remain the only viable path to prevent even larger humanitarian and economic catastrophes in the region and worldwide. For now, tensions are mounting, and prospects for diplomatic influence remain uncertain.