## peace of peace between Russia and Ukraine: reflections of a divided population
The dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow has always been imbued with a historical, cultural and political complexity which largely exceeds the simple territorial disagreements. While the two nations have started their first direct talks since the start of the conflict, the reactions of the inhabitants of Kyiv illustrate the diversity of opinions and hopes in the face of this initiative.
#### A strategic breakthrough?
The meeting in Türkiye led to an agreement which provides for an exchange of 1,000 prisoners of war on each side – a gesture that could be interpreted as a significant advance, especially for affected families. VSEVOLOD SHAL, a resident of the Ukrainian capital, underlines this human necessity by declaring that “families expect”. This point of view reveals a deeply personal dimension of armed conflicts: the suffering caused to loved ones and the impact of political decisions on individual lives. In this regard, the peace process seems to integrate humanitarian elements that transcend military issues.
However, VSEVOLOD’s satisfaction is not universal. Lubov Petrenko, another resident, testifies to a palpable skepticism in the face of these talks. She does not hide her disenchantment, arguing that the pressure of Western nations is essential to obtain real results. This dichotomy between hope and disillusionment is indicative of the ambivalent feelings that many Ukrainians feel. On the one hand, the will to see an end to the conflict; on the other, an acute consciousness of international dynamics that escape their control.
### The role of international actors
The emotions shared by the inhabitants of Kyiv highlight a crucial aspect of the conflict: the interdependence of Ukrainian actions and the reactions of the international community. Lubov Petrenko evokes something fundamental: “Ukraine cannot do it alone”. This raises the question of collective responsibility in conflict resolution. What role should the great powers play in supporting lasting and justified peace?
The history of previous conflicts demonstrates that peace cannot be built solely on bilateral agreements. External supports, whether military, economic or diplomatic, can make them or undo its foundations. In the case of Ukraine, the United States and other European countries have played an undeniable role since the start of the annexation of Crimea in 2014, but to what extent could this aid influence the course of current negotiations?
#### Fragile balance
The talks in Istanbul reveal that, despite an advance as this exchange of prisoners, the major issues – such as the definition of borders and the security conditions – remain out of reach. The two parties seem not only far away in their positions on these questions, but also in their perception of past events. This is where another fundamental question comes in: how to build a shared story that can serve as a basis for constructive talks?
History has often shown that peace agreements can only exist by taking into account the concerns and perspectives of both parties. However, the omnipresent conditions of widespread mistrust complicate this task. The challenge is therefore to relegate resentment to the background, and to find enough common ground to move forward.
#### Conclusion
The news of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine illustrates the complexity of a conflict that is not only military, but also human and diplomatic. The voices of Vsevolod and Lubov representing the palette of emotions and hopes of a population marked by uncertainty, remind us of the importance of a nuanced approach.
In a world where dialogue may sometimes seem out of reach, it is crucial to think not only of immediate results, but also the foundations on which these results are based. Sustainable peace cannot be built without a sincere commitment by stakeholders, both local and international. Perhaps while small advances, like this exchange of prisoners, could be the first step towards a future where hope would no longer be a luxury, but a shared reality.