Avoiding the pitfalls: France's key warnings in Ukraine peace talks

• Lack of ceasefire: One of the main obstacles in negotiations.
• Demilitarization of Ukraine: Could deprive the country of security guarantees.
• Lift of sanctions: Barrot emphasizes that this should not happen at the beginning of the talks.

The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot cautions against three traps that could derail peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The first is the lack of a ceasefire, which previously contributed to the failure of talks in Istanbul in 2022.

Barrot noted that initiating discussions while hostilities are ongoing is a significant risk. He pointed out that the massacre in Bucha, carried out by Russian forces, was a key factor in the collapse of the 2022 negotiations.

Another trap is the attempt to impose demilitarization on Ukraine, which could deny the country necessary security guarantees. The third trap is the desire to lift sanctions against Russia at the beginning of negotiations, which, according to Barrot, should only happen at their conclusion.

He noted that European countries aim to stand by Ukraine during the peace negotiations, driven by their desire to achieve peace. Simultaneously, they are preparing extensive sanctions targeting the oil industry and financial sector to maintain pressure on Vladimir Putin and deter him from continuing to evade engagement in peace talks.

NATO countries' foreign ministers are meeting in Antalya, Turkey. The ongoing discussions aim to prepare NATO for the summit in The Hague, where further steps in response to Russia's growing threat will be discussed.

NATO plans to increase defence spending in response to Russia's growing threat. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte proposed a compromise of increasing spending to 3.5% of GDP.

The talks in Antalya will conclude with a press conference on Eastern Time, where NATO's further plans will be presented. Will the traps be avoided, and a lasting peace achieved?