NYT: Russia and Ukraine discussed creating demilitarised zone in Donbas
Russian and Ukrainian representatives have discussed during trilateral talks the idea of creating a demilitarised zone in Donetsk Oblast that would not be controlled by either the Russian or Ukrainian armed forces.
Source: The New York Times, citing three sources familiar with the course of the negotiations
Details: The NYT reports that Russia is demanding that Ukraine hand over territories in Donetsk Oblast currently under Ukrainian control as a condition for ending the war.
Ukraine, according to the NYT, has rejected a unilateral withdrawal of its forces, saying that ceding territory would encourage Russia to launch further attacks.
Kyiv has asked for security guarantees to deter Moscow from violating any ceasefire.
The article states that officials discussed the idea of creating a demilitarised zone that would not be controlled by either side.
This revives an idea included in previous peace proposals, in particular a 28-point plan presented by US President Donald Trump's administration in November.
Sources said that negotiators had also discussed creating a free trade zone within the possible demilitarised area to make the proposal acceptable to both Ukrainian and Russian sides.
"Though investment possibilities seem limited in a territory that would be wedged between two armies, even with a cease-fire in place. Most industry in the area is in ruins, with only one coal mine still operational, and the risk that the conflict could be rekindled would loom for years," the NYT said.
Two other sources told the NYT that negotiators had also discussed the creation of a civilian administration to govern the region after the war.
This body could include representatives from both Russia and Ukraine, although the sides remain far from an agreement.
Background:
- On the morning of 18 February, Rustem Umierov, the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, reported that the second day of the trilateral talks on the settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine had begun in Geneva.
- Later, Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, announced that the latest round of talks had concluded. He said that the negotiations in Geneva lasted about two hours and were "tough but business-like".
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that it was agreed at the talks that the US will be involved in the monitoring of a ceasefire.
- He added that political issues concerning possible compromises and the need for a meeting of leaders had not been sufficiently addressed in the negotiations on ending the war.
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