Secret Talks Disrupted by Kursk Attack
- Confidential negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow under Qatar's mediation were disrupted by the offensive in Kursk.
- The talks aimed to secure a partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.
- The Kursk attack halted diplomatic efforts towards peace in Ukraine.
On August 23, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his first visit to Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion. Ahead of his trip, Modi emphasized his belief that "no problem can be solved on the battlefield," signaling India's commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. His discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv will focus on strategies for de-escalation, as Ukrainian forces continue their offensive, claiming control over significant territories. Despite ongoing military actions, there have been recent secretive negotiations between Ukraine and Russia aimed at establishing a "landmark agreement" to halt strikes on energy infrastructure, potentially leading to a partial ceasefire. These talks, which were set to take place in Doha at the end of August, faced interruptions due to Ukraine's military operations in the Kursk region. A diplomatic source indicated that while Russia did not cancel the discussions, they requested additional time to consider the situation. Qatar has emerged as a key mediator in these negotiations, previously facilitating the return of Ukrainian children unlawfully taken to Russia. A Ukrainian diplomat noted the importance of the Qatari channel in ongoing diplomatic efforts, highlighting its long-standing collaboration with President Zelensky's administration. The recent summit in Switzerland, which excluded Russia, further underscores Qatar's role in fostering dialogue between the conflicting parties.