After multiple rounds of negotiations between Russia and the US, Russia and Ukraine began direct talks in May. These have led to prisoner exchanges so far, not a ceasefire. Despite Trump’s commitment to bringing about a definitive resolution to the conflict, the chances in the near future aren’t very high. A fundamental contradiction persists in how each side perceives its core security interests. Europe, on the other hand, has reiterated its commitment to defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and subsequently enlarged its military budget. In the recent talks in June, Ukraine and Russia submitted a memorandum of their demands. Moscow’s demands remain unchanged. It is calling for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from the regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk, and wants the recognition of the territory of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Further, Russia demands Ukraine’s neutrality — that it gives up its claims to joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and maintains a limited armed force. Other demands included the lifting of martial law and elections in Ukraine within 100 days after an end to the conflict. Ukraine, on the other hand, cites its membership in NATO and the European Union as central for its security guarantees. It also seeks the frozen Russian assets to be used as reparations. In the past, both sides have vehemently rejected these demands, citing them as a non-starter in the talks.
Trust deficit is the stumbling block in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks
