Istanbul | Russia’s-Ukraine peace talks, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have raised eyebrows. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin has said he will reduce attacks on the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, and Chernihiv. Ukraine has also agreed to remain neutral on NATO and EU issues, one of Russia’s key demands.
Neutrality means that Ukraine will not join a military alliance like NATO and will not allow military bases. Ukraine issued this assurance in exchange for security assurances. Poland, Israel, Turkey and Canada are all bailed out on security issues.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the talks had made great progress. The discussion lasted for three hours. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich also attended the talks.
