French Minister warns of pitfalls in Ukraine-Russia peace talks

• Lack of ceasefire: This is one of the main obstacles in negotiations.
• Demilitarisation of Ukraine: It could deprive the country of security guarantees.
• Lifting of sanctions: Barrot emphasises that this should not occur at the start of the talks.

The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warns 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 pointed out that one major pitfall is attempting to hold discussions while active fighting continues. He noted that the atrocities committed by Russia in Bucha played a significant role in derailing the 2022 negotiations.

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

He added that European nations are eager to back Ukraine in peace negotiations because they desire to end the conflict. At the same time, they are working on imposing major sanctions targeting oil and the financial sector to maintain pressure on Vladimir Putin and discourage him from avoiding 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 will be discussed in response to Russia's growing threat.

NATO plans to increase defence spending in response to the growing threat from Russia. NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, proposed a compromise by increasing spending to 3.5% of GDP. (approximately 3.5% of the GDP)

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