Peace on the line: Trump brokers Russia-Ukraine security talks
Donald Trump recently announced peace talks with Russia. Ukraine is now prioritizing security, not land, in truce talks, writes "The New York Times".
"The territorial question is extremely important, but it’s still the second question," a Ukrainian official wishing to remain anonymous told the newspaper. He emphasised that "The first question is security guarantees."
During the first peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, a key issue was the lack of Russian agreement to the proposal that other countries commit to aid Ukraine in the event of another attack.
Kyiv cautiously receives any Russian declarations about peace, which is understandable given that promises from 2014 and 2015 were not kept, and sporadic clashes continued for the following eight years until the full-scale invasion – as "NYT" recalls.
Ukraine has already lost about 13% of its territory
Since 2014, Ukraine has lost about 13% of its territory, as defined in the declaration of independence from 1991.
Following the 2014 Revolution of Dignity, eastern territories supported by Russian-backed separatists were taken, as well as the annexation of Crimea. The Russian offensive on 24th February 2022 resulted in further territorial losses.
Although Kyiv has regained some areas seized by the Russians, many territories are still under Moscow's control. The operation in the Kursk region, launched in August this year, was intended to strengthen Ukraine's negotiation position. Nonetheless, Moscow does not intend to return these lands. The newspaper also notes reports of a Russian counter-offensive involving 50,000 Russian soldiers with support from North Korea.
Furthermore, according to Russian businessman Konstantin Malofeev, who is close to the Kremlin, Russia will find it difficult to reach any agreement because even the most conciliatory version of the agreement assumes that Ukraine would cede more of its territory to Russia.
Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Andrii Zahorodniuk pointed out that with Russia's offensive actions, it will be difficult for Ukraine to achieve favourable agreement terms. He emphasised that Russian negotiators will demand more than just the occupied territories.
"Whoever is in a winning position imposes the rules of the game," Zahorodniuk said, highlighting the difficulties Ukraine faces in this situation.
