Putin Agrees to Peace Talks with Ukraine After 2 Years; India, China, Brazil May Mediate
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine. According to news agency Reuters, Putin mentioned that countries like India, China, or Brazil could mediate between the two nations.
During a discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEZ) in Vladivostok, Russia, Putin explained that in 2022, when the war began, an attempt was made in Istanbul to mediate between both nations, though the conditions were never implemented. He suggested that previous efforts could be the basis for starting new negotiations.
Zelensky Suggests India as a Venue for Peace Summit
Putin’s statement came after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Russia nearly two months ago on July 8, where he discussed stopping the war with Putin. Shortly after, Modi made his first visit to Ukraine on August 23.
PM Modi’s visit to Russia in July coincided with the NATO summit. His embrace with President Putin was widely discussed. During this time, Modi told Putin that the path to peace does not come from the battlefield.
Modi Advocates for Peace in Meeting with Zelensky
During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi reiterated that India has always stood for peace. He said, “I recently met with Russian President Putin. Afterward, I stated in front of the media that this is not the time for war.”
Putin’s Conditions to End the War
In February 2022, just a month after the war began, several rounds of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine took place in Istanbul, Turkey, aimed at stopping the war. According to media reports, Putin had laid down two conditions for ending the conflict.
He demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, and also commit never to join NATO. However, Ukraine refused to accept these conditions.
Ukraine Claims 400,000 Russian Soldiers Have Died in the War
As of February 24, 2022, the Russia-Ukraine war has been ongoing for two and a half years. During this time, Ukraine reports that around 10,000 of its civilians have died, with 18,500 wounded. Ukraine also claims that Russia has lost 392,000 soldiers. Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on 500 Russian companies.
For the first time on August 6, 2024, Ukraine entered Russia and captured the Kursk region. Since then, Ukraine has continued to attack Russia. According to RT reports, 31 Russian civilians have died in Ukrainian attacks over 20 days.
This is the first time since World War II that a foreign power has seized Russian territory. Ukraine claims to have captured 1,263 square kilometers of Russian land in two weeks. Ukraine asserts that in 2024, it has reclaimed more land in two weeks than Russia did in the previous eight months.
Modi Invites Zelensky to Visit India
Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has lasted two and a half years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine. During his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi said, “India has always been in favor of peace. I recently met Russian President Putin and told him that this is not the time for war.
Putin and Modi Meet After Two Years, Private Dinner Held
PM Modi visited Russia for two days after a five-year gap. During the visit, President Putin arranged a private dinner for him. Both leaders engaged in a conversation, with Putin warmly welcoming Modi, saying, “It is a pleasure to see you.” PM Modi also thanked President Putin.
