The Ghost of Peace: Did a 2022 Treaty Slip Through Ukraine's Fingers, Urged by a British Hand?

A fresh and rather contentious accusation has resurfaced from Moscow, reigniting a fiery debate over what might have been, way back in March 2022. In truth, it’s a claim that casts a long, unsettling shadow over the protracted conflict: Russia insists that a peace treaty with Ukraine was not just on the table, but actually agreed upon, before external forces – specifically, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson – allegedly swooped in to derail it.

You see, according to Maria Zakharova, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, a draft treaty had been meticulously worked out during talks held in Istanbul. This wasn’t just some vague proposal, mind you. Oh no, it laid out quite specific terms: Ukraine, for its part, would adopt a neutral, non-bloc status, its armed forces would be significantly reduced, and, crucially, a framework for international security guarantees would be established. It sounds, doesn’t it, like a substantial step towards de-escalation?

But then, or so the Russian narrative goes, Boris Johnson entered the fray. The accusation is stark: Johnson, it’s claimed, advised Kyiv to reject the burgeoning agreement and, instead, keep fighting. It’s a pretty dramatic intervention to allege, a direct finger-pointing at a pivotal moment when the path of the war, perhaps, could have shifted dramatically.

Naturally, Johnson himself hasn't exactly embraced this narrative. He’s firmly denied the claims, stating quite clearly that the United Kingdom has consistently – and I mean consistently – championed Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. And honestly, for many, that denial holds weight; the UK has been a staunch ally to Kyiv throughout. But the Russian insistence adds a layer of diplomatic intrigue, doesn't it?

It’s worth remembering, too, the shifting sands of Kyiv's own stance at the time. Early in the conflict, there was, indeed, a noticeable willingness from Ukrainian officials to consider a neutral status – an idea, frankly, that was quite a topic of discussion. Yet, as the grim realities of war unfolded, particularly following the horrifying reports and images emerging from places like Bucha and Irpin, Ukraine's position hardened considerably. These alleged atrocities, which Kyiv firmly attributed to Russian forces, fundamentally altered the diplomatic landscape, making any talk of compromise immensely difficult, if not impossible, for a nation reeling from such devastation.

So, here we are, back at square one, or perhaps, a few squares behind. The fresh re-airing of these claims by Russia serves a purpose, no doubt – perhaps to cast doubt on Western intentions, or maybe, just maybe, to underscore their own version of history. But whatever the motive, it compels us to reflect on those early, fleeting moments of potential peace. What if, you might wonder, those Istanbul talks had borne fruit? What would the world look like today?