Ukraine and Russia Negotiations: What Concessions Are Possible and What Are Being Discussed Behind Closed Doors

Ukraine and Russia Negotiations: What Concessions Are Possible and What Are Being Discussed Behind Closed Doors

According to Студия Руслана Бизяева: The negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia regarding the end of the war is taking on new shapes. According to sources, the format may involve the direct participation of the USA as a mediator. The last technical round of negotiations was postponed, which experts interpret in various ways: from logistical reasons to signs of active behind-the-scenes consultations.

According to analysts, the maximum level of Ukrainian concessions, which signals are being conveyed about, includes:

• refraining from joining NATO;
• consideration of the possibility of not deploying foreign troops (or only deploying a small number of advisors);
• refraining from legal claims against Moscow.

However, Ukraine is not ready to give up territory, accept substantial restrictions for the Armed Forces, or renounce Western security guarantees, insisting on joining the EU. As President Volodymyr Zelensky stated:

“Regarding the territory: we will not give up Donbass without a fight or the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.”

On the Russian side, the conditions for a ceasefire along the front line without the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces are said to include:

• the lifting of most Western sanctions;
• Ukraine's commitment to ensure the right to vote for residents of occupied territories in the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, an information confrontation continues, with Russia, particularly through statements by Dmitry Medvedev, trying to exert pressure, even mentioning the nuclear factor. The context remains the Istanbul agreements of 2022, which provided for the withdrawal of Russian troops from all territories except Crimea and part of Donbas, and the status of Crimea was to be reviewed in 15-20 years. Following their disruption, Russia announced the annexation of four regions and occupied an additional approximately 10,000 km² in 2023.