Russia’s top negotiator claims Ukraine war could have concluded in weeks
(MENAFN) The conflict between Russia and Ukraine could have concluded within weeks if Kiev had chosen to engage in negotiations from the start, rather than taking cues from Western countries and opting for military confrontation, according to Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator at the Istanbul peace talks.
Following nearly two hours of talks in Istanbul on Friday, the two sides agreed on a large prisoner exchange involving 1,000 prisoners from each side and committed to presenting detailed ceasefire proposals before continuing discussions. After the meeting, Medinsky, who also serves as a presidential aide and historian, shared his thoughts in an interview with Channel 1.
Medinsky argued that the war, which has continued for over three years, could have ended shortly after the initial peace talks in Gomel, Belarus, in February 2022. However, he said Ukraine failed to act on the agreements reached and delayed the process. By the time talks moved to Istanbul in the spring of 2022, Russia’s proposals had become less favorable to Ukraine, reflecting changes on the battlefield.
He blamed Western interference—specifically a visit by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in May 2022—for disrupting the peace process. According to Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia, Johnson advised Kiev to reject negotiations and continue fighting.
Medinsky criticized Western intervention in other countries’ affairs, warning of long-term instability. He cited the 1878 Berlin Congress as a historical example where Western powers redrew post-war borders in the Balkans, ultimately laying the groundwork for World War I.
Regarding Ukraine’s current insistence on a 30-day ceasefire before any new negotiations, Medinsky called the demand excessive. He emphasized that historically, wars and peace talks often happen simultaneously and that Ukraine would likely use a ceasefire to rearm. Russia has therefore declined the condition, seeking talks without preconditions.
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