The Fédération Internationale des Résistants (FIR) has issued a statement on the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine:

We would like to remind you that since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, FIR has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and the start of negotiations between the warring parties. In our view, this was the only way to end the war, which has already claimed tens of thousands of victims in the first few weeks, as quickly as possible. We were convinced from the outset that neither arming Ukraine nor the assertion of “unwavering support” from NATO countries would bring about a military solution to this conflict. We therefore welcome the fact that, following the Russian announcement as part of the unilateral ceasefire on the anniversary of the victory, talks between the warring parties have now actually begun again.

Now that the smoke from the smokescreens has cleared, we can see a little more clearly what has emerged from the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. The most important result is undoubtedly that, for the first time in months, a dialog between the warring parties is underway again. This gives hope to the people in the Russian and Ukrainian war regions, who are the main victims of this war. Secondly, the mutual exchange of larger groups of prisoners of war has been agreed. And thirdly, a continuation of these talks has been agreed. We as FIR can therefore only welcome the start of these talks.

We are also glad that the propaganda bluster and political influence in the run-up to the talks did not cause them to fail. At the same time, one does not get the impression that the four European statesmen who met with Zelensky had any interest in a peaceful solution. Although they represent three powerful states of the European Union and Britain, enthusiasm for the continuation of their war course is clearly waning even there. Nevertheless, the new German Foreign Minister, who is not even known to every government in Europe, believes he can issue an ultimatum to Russian President Putin to come to Istanbul - as if he were a naughty schoolboy who only needed to be admonished severely enough. In addition, a phone call was made to US President Trump to warn him not to make any agreements with Putin that run counter to EU interests.

The announcement that tough sanctions would be imposed if Russia does not give in highlights the absurdity of the EU’s stance. What is the point of a seventeenth package of sanctions if the previous 16 have already had little effect? Moreover, several EU states have already made it clear that they do not agree with this approach. Significantly, the European Commission decided on the sanctions package before the planned meeting in Istanbul had even begun. And, of course, it is to come into force even though the implementation of the results of the talks has not yet been completed. Ms. Kallas is already calling for an eighteenth package.

Zelenskys announcement that he only wanted to talk to Putin personally may have been good for a headline in the media, but it shows that there are still considerable reservations on the Ukrainian side about a direct dialog between the parties involved in the dispute to find a solution in the interests of the people.

Irrespective of such interference, it is indeed significant that this meeting took place in Istanbul. It is unclear what role the USA played in these talks. It was not at the negotiating table, nor were the European states. What is interesting about the USA’s change of strategy in the Ukraine war is the statement by Secretary of State Rubio that this war cannot be ended with weapons (i.e. Ukraine is not expected to win), but only through diplomacy. Apparently, the USA wants to keep its weapons ready for other purposes and not use them in Ukraine.

It is to be hoped that the Russian-Ukrainian talks will continue with less media fanfare. Otherwise, they could suffer the fate of the peace negotiations in spring 2022, which were broken off by Ukraine due to British influence. The consequences were devastating. It is interesting to note that even the new Pope Leo XIV has mentioned a mediation role for the Vatican. Such opportunities should not be missed in the interests of all people in the war-torn region.