Despite doubting the unity of the Ukrainian position, the Russians talk about progress in the negotiations

Moscow -

After 3 rounds of bilateral negotiations without a breakthrough beyond agreement on the humanitarian aspects related to the ongoing war in Ukraine, positive trends began to dominate the statements of representatives of the Russian and Ukrainian delegations commenting on the atmosphere of the fourth round of negotiations, which is held via video, in contrast to the previous rounds.

While the statements of representatives of the two delegations were characterized by optimism, officials from both sides refrained from discussing what happened in the negotiating rooms, but the declared positions were clear in terms of progress and preparation for the procedures of subsequent rounds.

"In the near future, the negotiation process between Moscow and Kiev may develop into a common position between the two parties that leads to the signing of understandings and agreements," said Leonid Slutsky, a member of the Russian delegation to these talks and head of the State Duma's Security Committee.

And he added, in a statement, that if the positions of both delegations are compared since the first round until today, great progress can be awaited, pointing out that the signing of documents is a very important issue, as a basis for reducing the degree of tension accompanying the Russian military operation in Ukraine, as well as "to save many of the victims." The people during the operation, who were used by the Nazis as a human shield.”

Contrasted with previous rounds

This comes despite the announcement by the representatives of Moscow and Kiev, earlier, that the last round of negotiations did not achieve the desired results, but at the same time they expressed their readiness to continue negotiations, noting that positive developments had taken place in the issue of establishing humanitarian corridors to remove civilians from the fighting areas. It led to a decision to temporarily cease fire in the evacuation areas, and the delivery of food and medicine.

Moreover, the current atmosphere of negotiations contradicts the conclusion of the first meeting in the crisis between the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine in Antalya, with the mediation of Turkey. Negotiations” conducted by Moscow and Kiev in Belarus.

Negotiations are taking place on the impact of the fighting and the displacement of tens of thousands of refugees daily from Ukraine to neighboring countries (Getty Images)

The ball is in Kyiv's court

Russian political analyst Denis Krkodinov believes that Moscow and Kiev have an opportunity to reach compromises during the next rounds of negotiations, and to make progress on the political track if a unified position is adopted by the Ukrainian authorities.

The Russian expert pointed out that there are figures in the close circle of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and decision-makers, who assess the situation differently and cannot yet reach a consensus.

Krkodinov expressed his belief that the description used by the Ukrainian negotiator and presidential adviser, Mikhail Podolyak, that the Russian side has become more constructive, indicates that the Ukrainian side has received a Russian understanding that the positions inside Ukraine regarding the Russian military operation, and the future of relations with Moscow, are still not unified. And this process needs more time.

But, on the other hand, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the transition of the two delegations to negotiations via video service.

In his opinion, this transformation, although with the aim of simplifying and solving technical problems, may, on the other hand, complicate the search for mutually acceptable solutions.

In his opinion, some other powers, such as the United States and Britain, are now participating in these talks.

A historic settlement awaits

While it is considered that the negotiation process between Russia and Ukraine has become more active now than it was at the beginning of this month, the biggest breakthrough will be in the agreement between the two parties to set a framework that paves the way for a historic settlement based on the affirmation of guarantees of Ukraine’s neutral status for 20-25 years. With the required constitutional changes.

In addition, it is expected that paramilitary formations, such as the Azov battalion, be disbanded and disarmed, with guaranteed monitoring mechanisms in place, the recognition of Crimea by Ukraine as part of Russia, and the Donetsk and Lugansk republics as independent states.