Description: Ukrainian and Russian state delegations met in Istanbul’s Ciragan Palace for the second round of peace negotiations where humanitarian goals were agreed upon, but the parties didn’t come any closer to formulating a peace plan. The Russian delegation disclosed the so – called peace memorandum where demands such as the complete recognition of Russian occupied territories by Ukraine, guarantees over the country’s consistent military neutrality, limits on Ukraine’s military and equipment and the lifting of Ukraine’s martial law and holding elections were outlined. Ukrainian officials have stated they would need a week to analyze the proposals from the Russian side before announcing any official response. Both sides agreed on large prisoner exchanges which were reported to surpass the number of around 6 thousand soldiers which were deceased, and other soldiers that were wounded or in a heavy medical condition. Russia once again rejected the unconditional ceasefire proposal and suggested a 2 to 3 – day ceasefire in certain regions across the frontline in order for the bodies of dead soldier to be collected. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan hailed the negotiations as positive despite the fact that no progress was made towards a potential peace agreement.
Impact: The second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine expectedly didn’t deliver any concise proposals as the meeting lasted barely an hour. Russia’s memorandum reinstated the country’s maximalist demands for ending the war which Ukraine would most certainly plainly reject. The demands outline Ukraine’s total surrender and capitulation which is naturally unacceptable, especially since the country entered the negotiations on the back of a stupendous operation which destroyed Russia’s high – level bombing capacities. The negotiations are at a crucial point where Putin, well aware that Russia would have to secede towards some form of concessions, is starting the negotiations from a radical standpoint and leaves little to no margin for diplomatic maneuvering. Ukraine’s chances despite being increased with the operation are still dire as the country is largely dependent on foreign support in order to withhold a serious Russian summer offensive. Next moves by US and Turkish mediators would dictate the negotiating climate and whether both countries would further distance themselves and resort to extended hostilities or next rounds of negotiation would present some sort of concrete measures and proposals for a potential ceasefire.