By Afshain Afzal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s close relations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy led to his continuous efforts to resolve Russo-Ukrainian conflict. This week it has borne fruit both the countries allowed Turkish President to mediate to resolve the deadlock and the Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning meeting his Ukrainian counterpart. In an earlier statement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he is negotiating with Russian officials and is waiting for a decisive meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Officials confirmed, Moscow has agreed in principle to organize a video conference between the two leaders but is hesitant in announcing confirm-timing, “It is on the table and not yet announced,” said official who wanted to retain his anonymity.

Earlier, Ukrainian negotiator and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak made a statement in public about his optimism that soon world with see good news in the shape of Russo-Ukraine new agreement. However, same could not be confirmed from Ukrainian Ministry of Defence. A breakthrough came when two weeks back both countries agreed to exchange prisoners. Russia also exchange some of the foreign fighters of Turkish and Uzbek origin from the neighbouring states.

From the start of the conflict in February 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had been repeatedly requesting NATO to impose no-flying zone but all in vain. One senior official at Ukrainian Ministry of Defence said that the United States and its other allies fears affects of the war beyond the conflict zone which may threaten many western nations. Close aids to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that we have neither surrendered nor we will ever move to that direction. Praising the Muslims of Ukraine and refugees from the neighbourhood, the aide claimed, “we are proud strong nation.”

Meanwhile, there were protest all over Russia and Ukraine against the Russian illegal deployment. The anti-war groups and masses in general launched protests, carrying out placards and chanting slogans in various languages in St. Petersburg and other cities against the “War”. There is an immense pressure on the Russia leadership to withdraw troops by the end of next month. One official confirmed total withdrawal after the agreement and ruled out plans to carryout referendum in Kherson. He clarified, “if we are given confirmation of non-interference from Western and NATO nations, there is no reason to prolong deployment other than handful of advisors.” It is time that all the nations of the world, World Organization (UNO) and other organizations must struggle for restoration of peace in Ukraine rather than adding fueling to the fire by supping arms and ammunition.