(VOVWORLD) - Russia and Ukraine are engaging in their 4th round of peace talks, this time via a virtual meeting. Although they have not agreed on a cease fire or troop withdrawals, their willingness to negotiate and positive signs from the talks have kindled hopes of resolving the conflict.
 Ukrainian Presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak posts a photo of the virtual talks on March 14, 2022. (photo: Twitter of Mykhailo Podolyak) |
Prior to the talks Ukrainian Presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said the talks would focus on achieving a ceasefire, troop withdrawals, and security guarantees for Ukraine. So far the two sides have continued to seek agreement on some common definitions. Three previous talks were held in-person in Belarus.
Each side’s stance
The conflict has been difficult to analyze because information from both sides has been confused and difficult to verify. Besides fighting on the battlefield, both sides have been conducting a communications war. What is undeniable is that both sides have suffered heavy casualties.
The only breakthrough achieved by the talks so far has been an agreement to create humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians.
Russia says it will halt its military operation if Ukraine acknowledges Crimea as Russian territory, recognizes two separatist republics in eastern Ukraine, and changes its Constitution to enshrine neutrality and commit to not joining any alliance.
Ukraine says that is an ultimatum to surrender and it will only agree to negotiate if there are no pre-conditions.
The internal politics in each country, their leaders’ determination, and their people’s support for the conflict could be crucial factors in the outcome. The latest polls show 71% of Russians supporting Putin, and 90% of Ukrainians supporting Zelensky.
Positive messages
Diplomatic talks show that both Russia and Ukraine want to end the armed conflict. In the beginning President Putin said his main goal was the demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine. Now the Kremlin says President Putin’s goal is not regime change.
Ukraine has sent signals that it is ready to discuss sensitive issues. President Zelensky says he will not surrender, but Kiev is ready to talk about Crimea, separatist republics, and not joining NATO. He has said the only way to end the fighting is for the top leaders to sit down and talk.
Analysts say both sides have modified their stance toward practicality. The world community is hoping they can now reach a solution through negotiation, by hearing and taking seriously each other’s demands and creating the necessary conditions for a ceasefire.