Zelensky's Three Conditions and Putin's Silence: Road to Peace or Prelude to a New Conflict?

International News: For the first time after three years, representatives of the two countries sat face to face to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The historic talks took place in the prestigious Dolmabahe palace in Türkiye, which is considered a new attempt to end Europe's deadliest struggle after World War II. Although there are low expectations of any major result, this initiative has created a stir in global diplomacy.

Turkey warned - "Peace or destruction, the way is in your hands"

The talks began with the address of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He said in clear terms to both sides, "You have two ways - one goes to peace and the other towards destruction and death. You have to take the decision." He also said that this dialogue of Istanbul can later be the foundation of a direct meeting of the top leaders of the two countries and the need for immediate ceasefire is extremely important.

Dialogue atmosphere- Symbol of uniform vs. suit, war & diplomacy

Ukraine's representative in military uniforms while Russian representatives arrived in a formal suit, which was considered a symbol of the reality of this struggle and the approach of the two countries. This scene itself reflects the severity of this conversation.

Trump's pressure, but the chances of success are reduced

This talk is taking place at a time when former US President Donald Trump is pressurizing both sides to carry forward the peace process. However, Trump also made a statement that he would not get any major success until he and Vladimir Putin meets face to face.

Conditions of Ukraine-Charism, return of children and exchange of prisoners

The Ukrainian delegation laid three major conditions -

• At least 30 days of ceasefire,
• Return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia,
• Mutual exchange of prisoners.

Russia's concern - talk of peace, but not trusting

The Russian side stated that he wants to end the war in diplomatic ways and is ready to negotiate, but his concern is that Ukraine may use this break to increase military strength, raise new armies and get Western weapons.

Putin took the initiative but did not accept Zelansky's challenge

Russia's President Vladimir Putin himself proposed a conversation, but ignoring the challenge of direct conversation of Ukraine President Volodimir Zelanski, Putin sent a middle level officials instead of joining himself. In response, Ukraine also sent the representatives of the same level.

Ground reality - War continues even amidst conversation

Just before the conversation began, there was news of bombing and blasts in Ukraine city of Dinipro. Russia claimed to have captured another village in eastern Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Army Chief Olexander Sarski, around 6.4 million Russian soldiers are still active in the Ukrainian region and the war has now become a "battle of exhaustion".

Zelansky's objection and strict demands from Russia

Ukraine's President Zelanski chief advisor Andrei Yermak clearly stated that it is meaningless to repeat the failed conversation in Istanbul in 2022. At the same time, Russia still wants that

• Leave the desire to join Ukraine NATO
• Become a neutral nation
• And recognize some Russian controlled areas.

Ukraine considers these conditions as "dedication" and is demanding security guarantee from global powers including the US.

Millions affected, city destroyed

So far millions of soldiers have been killed in this war. Thousands of Ukrainian citizens have died and many cities have been completely ruined. Crores of people have to leave their homes. Russia calls it a "special military campaign", while the Western countries and Ukraine consider it a "conspiracy to expand imperialist".