Bennett plays a key role in mediating Russia-Ukraine talks, report

The British publication Financial Times stated last night that Russia and Ukraine talks were led by Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett who “has served as the key international mediator in the talks.”

FT which was the first to publish the 15-point peace plan, aimed at putting an end to Russia’s three-week-old war, is citing three people familiar with the matter who said, “Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has been the primary international mediator on the talks, following a surprise visit to Moscow on March 5.”

According to FT, the proposed 15-point peace plan was discussed for the first time in full on Monday, back-to-back with the two leaders, and talks are in an advanced stage.

“Ukraine and Russia have made significant progress on a tentative peace plan including a ceasefire and Russian withdrawal if Kyiv declares neutrality and accepts limits on its armed forces, according to five people briefed on the talks,” the FT said.

The FT added that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also been involved in mediation efforts and Turkey could be part of the international guarantees.