SIGNS of hope for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war emerged on Tuesday when a Russian official said Moscow would reduce military action in the north of Ukraine near Kyiv and Chernihiv.
The conflict has already left thousands of people and forced millions from their homes. However, talks between the two sides in Istanbul have now raised the prospects of peace and reconciliation which certainly is the way forward.
War is not a solution to any problem. It is only a barbaric activity which only concludes in the loss of life and property.
Sooner or later, the parties have to move from the battlefield to the peace talk to find a solution.
The sooner the parties realize this will help save the people from the disastrous impact of the war.
The war between Russia and Ukraine is not only impacting the two countries but its consequences are far-reaching and hitting the whole world.
Already the prices of petroleum products have reached the record high and the same is the case with the prices of other essential commodities including palm oil.
For the sake of their own peoples and the world at large, both the Russian and Ukrainian sides must not miss this opportunity to reach a ceasefire and permanent settlement.
For this both the sides will have to demonstrate flexibility in their stances. Whilst burying the bitterness, the leadership must act with maturity and address the matters diplomatically.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erodgan really deserves appreciation for playing the role of mediator and facilitating talks between Russia and Ukraine and we are confident that collectively they will take the matters towards improvement.
There might be some elements who will try to throw spanner but their nefarious designs should be foiled by staging engaged.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskii should meet soon and announce the end of this conflict.
It is only then that the reconstruction and humanitarian efforts can be started in the war-ravaged areas and the refugees will be able to return to their homeland.
