[Putin's plan thwarted: Ukrainian Foreign Minister summarizes the results of the Istanbul negotiations]

On May 16, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Kyyanka summarized the results of the negotiations in Istanbul on his Facebook page. During the negotiation process between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia in Turkey, the Kremlin's attempt to portray this meeting as a continuation of the Istanbul negotiations three years ago was successfully thwarted. Moscow's plan ended in failure. Kyyanka said that if "all of Russia's absurd statements, pseudo-historical declarations, provocations, etc." were set aside, then the "bottom line" result was as follows:

-- An agreement was reached between the two sides to allow thousands of Ukrainians to return home under the framework of the "1000-for-1000" exchange format with the Russian side.

The foreign minister emphasized that "this alone makes everything meaningful."

-- Regarding the ceasefire issue, Moscow disagreed: The current Russian delegation does not have sufficient authority. "It is regrettable that Putin sent people of such low rank. However, we will continue to insist on an unconditional, lasting, and comprehensive ceasefire. This is the foundation for any subsequent successful decision-making and action."

-- Continue to exert pressure on Russia and prepare for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. "In this situation, we will continue to make efforts to apply pressure because only Putin can make decisions in Russia. He should stop evading our president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and have the courage to meet directly."

-- Confirm that it is Ukraine, not Russia, that has taken actions toward peace. Kyyanka stated that on the day of the May 16 negotiations, Ukraine "proved its desire for peace and took the restoration of peace seriously." "To get Russia to also take steps toward real peace, continued and increased pressure is needed. The intensity of this pressure is inversely proportional to the Russians' constructive acceptance."

-- The results of the Istanbul meeting prove the necessity of strengthening sanctions. Ukraine will "continue to persuade our partners of this." Kyyanka said, "The Istanbul meeting cannot and will not be a reason not to increase pressure on Russia. On the contrary, it proves why it needs to be done."

-- Putin's plan to "restart" the 2022 Turkish negotiation plan failed.

The foreign minister emphasized that Russia's dictator's plan to portray the Istanbul meeting as a continuation of the March 2022 negotiations failed.

Kyyanka said, "Because this is a completely new situation, a new starting point. Now the conditions and realities are different. And the key factor is America and (President) Donald Trump's peace efforts."

Kyyanka pointed out that Ukraine will continue to "stick to its path and achieve results." "Bring people back home, achieve tranquility, security, and peace. This is the top priority. Moreover, Ukraine's reinforcement and our defense capabilities are continuing and will continue to be strengthened. This is the most important."

He said that all of Ukraine's partners "directly expressed" that President Zelenskyy had taken "very correct, well-thought-out steps" to achieve Ukraine's interests in these weeks.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1832329769551883/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the views of the author.