During the full-scale war, more than one state has already spoken about the need for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. After all, in the end, all wars ended in this way.
Now, on January 2, Austria also spoke about ending the war between Russia and Ukraine through negotiations. However, with an important note.
No talks about Ukraine without Ukraine
Thus, Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg said at a press conference in Vienna that such negotiations are possible only with the participation of Ukraine and never without it.
Peace is never achieved on the battlefield. Peace is always achieved on the negotiating table. And this war will be no exception. But yes – both sides need to agree to negotiate. And there is one clear rule here: no negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine,” he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also noted that the 10-point peace formula proposed by Ukraine is interesting. He also acknowledged that before sitting down to the negotiating table, it is necessary to “restore the situation where peace and diplomacy can find their place.”
“But I don't see it yet, because both sides are trying to win decisive points on the battlefield,” said Alexander Schallenberg.
Ukrainian formula for peace
Vladimir Zelensky presented his formula for peace at the G20 summit back in November 2022. In an online speech, the president named 10 points that are important for our state, namely:
- Radiation and nuclear safety.
- Food security.
- Energy security.
- Release of all prisoners and deportees.
- Implementation of the UN Charter and restoration of territorial integrity and world order.
- The withdrawal of Russian troops and the cessation of hostilities.
- The return of justice.
- Ecocide resistance.
- Escalation prevention.
- Recording the end of the war.
He stressed that compliance with these points will not only stop the war in Ukraine, but also help to avoid the strengthening of the negative consequences associated with Russia's armed aggression. Also during his speech, the President of Ukraine stressed that there would be no “Minsk-3”.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia: latest news
- At the end of 2022, Andriy Yermak, head of the President's Office, said that Ukraine was ready to end the war with Russia at any time. However, this will happen exclusively on Ukrainian terms, and not to please the occupiers.
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that negotiations with Ukraine would not take place in the format proposed by Zelensky. And he did not forget to accuse Kyiv of not being ready for dialogue.
- Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov also decided to speak about the talks. He stated that Russia is not going to give up the temporarily occupied territories, therefore, no “peace plan” for Ukraine that does not take into account the “incorporation of four new regions into Russia” can not exist.
