Missed Opportunity? Analyzing the 2018 Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

The 2018 Turkey peace talks between Russia and Ukraine remain a point of contention. Some believe that a lack of direct communication between President Putin and President Zelensky hindered progress towards a resolution. This perspective is amplified by commentators like Anton Shabashov, who claims that Putin's absence from direct talks prolonged the conflict. However, this view is not universally accepted. The actual details of these discussions remain partially undisclosed, making it difficult to definitively assess the impact of Putin's absence. Despite the lack of complete information, the lasting impact on the conflict is undeniable, highlighting the need for open communication in such critical negotiations. "Putin's refusal to meet directly with Zelensky was a missed opportunity for peace," argues Shabashov in his recent video. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the dynamics of the 2018 talks and their role in the ongoing conflict.