Russia's demands on Ukraine: the way to peace or a wrong way?

Russia's demands on Ukraine: the way to peace or a wrong way?

Istanbul, Türkei - Russia has published a new memorandum with demands on Ukraine, which is intended to serve as the basis for a possible peace treaty. In this document, which was handed over in Istanbul after the recent direct negotiations, Russia calls for the recognition of the Crimea and the Donetsk, Luhansk, Cherson and Saporischschja areas occupied by Russia as parts of the Russian Federation. Ukraine has always rejected such recognition, which significantly influences the parameters of the conversations. [lvz.de]

For Russia, Ukraine's promise to neutrality and the waiver of NATO accession is a central demand. Other points in the memorandum concern the nuclear weapons -free status of Ukraine as well as the limitation of its military strength and the dissolution of nationalist groups and the National Guard. The resumption of the gas transit by Ukraine to Europe is also promised. According to the memorandum, a peace treaty is to be confirmed by a legally binding UN-Resolution.

background of the negotiations

As early as April 2022, the first negotiations were held between Ukraine and Russia. A 17-page draft contract showed that both sides were ready for compromises. Nevertheless, many central points remained unresolved, and a thoughtful summit between Vladimir Putin and Wolodimir Selenski did not come about. Basic obligations for Ukraine included a permanent neutrality status, the waiver of nuclear weapons and a limitation of foreign military presence in the country. [20min.ch]

A failure of the talks is due to numerous incompatible demands in Russia. This includes the introduction of the Russian language as a second official language and the cancellation of mutual sanctions. The differences regarding the military armament of Ukraine are also considerable. Russia called for the reduction of the Ukrainian army to 85,000 soldiers, while the Ukraine wanted to insist on 250,000 soldiers and a larger number of tanks and fighter aircraft.

international reactions and support

In the context of the negotiations, international support for Ukraine plays an important role. The United States and the EU show solidarity with the Ukrainian position, which is based on the recovery of all occupied areas and a security connection to the West. While Ukraine is striving for NATO membership in the long term, the United States has been rejecting changes in the past few months. What has created further tensions. [Tagesschau.de]

Despite the difficult situation, Ukraine has agreed a raw material agreement with the United States to promote the joint funding, although security guarantees remain from an international side. Ukraine insists on being involved in the peace talks directly, while Russia still does not want to make concessions. This can also be seen in the rejection of evacuation of the occupied areas and in expanded demands that further complicate peace events.