Russia and Ukraine were unable to reach an agreement on several crucial issues during peace talks in the spring of 2022. Documents obtained by The New York Times shed light on the key points of contention and the main obstacles that may arise in future negotiations to end Europe’s largest land war in decades.
President Vladimir V. Putin initially referred to the 2022 talks as a basis for any potential deal, but later took a tougher stance, insisting that Ukraine relinquish territory not currently under Russian control. There has long been suspicion among Ukrainian and Western officials that Russia’s ultimate goal is the complete subjugation of Ukraine.
Key issues discussed during the talks included Ukrainian neutrality, security guarantees in the event of future attacks, territory disputes, the logistics of a ceasefire, Ukrainian national identity, and limits on Ukraine’s military capabilities.
Russia demanded that Ukraine never join NATO or other military alliances, while Ukraine offered to become a permanently neutral state. Security guarantees proposed by Ukraine were met with some agreement from Russia, but with significant exceptions that would allow Russia to veto any international response in the event of another invasion.
Territorial disputes centered around Crimea and other regions of Ukraine under Russian occupation, with Ukraine refusing to recognize Russian control over any part of its territory. The logistics of a ceasefire were also discussed, with Russia proposing specific terms for how a truce would be implemented.
Discussions also touched on Ukrainian national identity and limits on Ukraine’s military capabilities, with Russia calling for the demilitarization of Ukraine and restrictions on the size and weaponry of its military.
Overall, the documents shed light on the complex and contentious nature of the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the significant challenges that lie ahead in any future negotiations.