Expert Outlines Possible Outcomes After Istanbul Talks
After the talks in Istanbul, which Putin ignored, various scenarios are possible. One of the most logical is a ceasefire, followed by full-fledged negotiations, as Ukraine has previously insisted, said Oleksandr Merezhko, chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament's Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to a broadcast on FREEDOM TV channel.
"From the point of view of logic, there are three possible options. The first option, which was once proposed by US President Trump, is a complete ceasefire. Then this option was supported by European leaders and Ukraine. That is, first, a ceasefire for at least 30 days, and then full-fledged negotiations. And with Putin's participation, since it is he who makes the decisions, not Medinsky or anyone else. It is therefore logical to assume that if we are talking about serious negotiations, Putin's participation is necessary. This is the first and most logically consistent option," Merezhko said.
The second option, he said, is the one that Russia is trying to implement: to negotiate and at the same time continue to conduct offensive operations at the front. And this, the MP believes, is the worst option for many reasons.
"There is a third option, which has also been recently voiced. This is simultaneous negotiations and a ceasefire. These are the three options for today. But it's too early to say how things will develop further," the speaker said.
Merezhko also believes that there is a certain logical contradiction in the position of US President Trump.
"I absolutely agree with the German Chancellor, who said that a very important task for both Ukraine and European leaders is to keep American allies within the negotiation process. This is certainly very important. At the same time, we need to realise that there is a certain, let's say, logical inconsistency. On the one hand, Trump insists that Ukraine should negotiate with Russia. On the other hand, he openly states that it is impossible to achieve results in this process without his direct involvement. Then these words were repeated by Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State. That is, there is a logical contradiction here," the parliamentarian said.
In his opinion, this logical contradiction can be resolved by directly involving US President Trump in the negotiation process.
"In my opinion, it is necessary to declare the format of negotiations if we are talking about serious negotiations. In addition to the participation of the United States, it is very important that Ukraine's European allies take part in these negotiations. And this format of negotiations is also very important. And Ukraine needs to insist on this format of negotiations. And, of course, the United States should be actively involved in this process," the guest summed up.
As The Gaze reported earlier, during the talks in Istanbul, Ukraine and Russia discussed the ceasefire and humanitarian issues, as well as a possible meeting at the level of leaders. In particular, they agreed to exchange prisoners in the format of "1000 for 1000", said the head of the Ukrainian delegation at the talks in Istanbul, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
At the same time, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said that during the talks in Istanbul on Friday, the Russian side made statements unacceptable to Ukraine.