Russia and Ukraine negotiated a ceasefire on the 29th, and the Ukraine side proposed a new security framework with the countries concerned in place of joining NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

On the other hand, the Russian side also said that it would significantly reduce military operations around the capital Kyiv, and both sides showed a certain concession, but it remains unclear whether it will lead to a concrete ceasefire.

Face-to-face ceasefire negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place in Istanbul, Turkey, on the 29th, as fierce fighting continued in Ukraine.



The talks lasted about three and a half hours, and a Ukrainian delegation official said that the negotiations had progressed and that he had "discussed with the Russian side about a new security framework" to NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He revealed that he had discussed a new security framework to replace accession.



According to the Ukrainian side, the new security framework may include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland, Turkey, etc., and if this is accepted, it will respond to "neutralization".



"Neutralization" includes not establishing a foreign military base in the territory, so the Ukrainian side has shown a certain concession to the request of the Russian side.



In response, the Russian side also evaluated that the talks were constructive, and the Russian Defense Ministry's Deputy Minister of Defense Fomin said, "We have decided to significantly reduce military operations around the capital Kyiv and in Chernihiv in the north." As a measure to foster confidence, military operations around Kyiv will be significantly reduced.



He also said that the meeting between the leaders requested by the Ukrainian side would be possible only with the approval at the foreign minister's level.



However, according to the Ukrainian side, the issue of sovereignty in southern Crimea, which Russia has unilaterally annexed, will be discussed for the next 15 years. , It is also in the form of shelving.



Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has indicated that he will focus on military operations in the east on the 29th, and it is expected that fierce fighting will continue in areas such as Mariupol in the east where a serious humanitarian crisis continues.



Both sides have made certain concessions in this ceasefire negotiation, and the Russian side will report the Ukrainian side's proposal to President Putin, but it remains unclear whether it will lead to a concrete ceasefire in the future.

US Department of Defense "Relocation, not real withdrawal"

A Pentagon spokesman, Kirby, said at a news conference yesterday that small troops had left the move around the Russian capital, Kyiv, but "this is a relocation, not a real withdrawal." He emphasized the attitude that he does not consider that the withdrawal is taking place.



"We need to be wary of large-scale offensives to other regions. Russian troops have failed to control Kyiv, which was their goal, but the threat to Kiev is not over and still includes Kyiv. Russian troops can commit large-scale atrocities within Ukraine. In fact, we have confirmed that air strikes on Kyiv continued today. "

What seems to have been discussed in the negotiations

At the ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine held on the 29th, the following contents are believed to have been discussed.

Collective security framework to replace NATO accession

First, I would like to talk about the "neutralization" of Ukraine that Russia has sought.



According to the Ukrainian side, instead of joining NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization, it proposed a new collective security framework.



Regarding this framework, the Ukrainian side says that it may include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, as well as China, Russia, Canada, Israel, Poland and Turkey.



On top of that, if the security of the country can be ensured by this framework, it will accept "non-nuclear status" and "neutralization" to abandon NATO membership.



"Neutralization" includes not setting up foreign military bases in Ukraine, not stationing foreign troops, and conducting military exercises subject to consent with the countries concerned. increase.



Meanwhile, the Russian side has expressed its intention to consider this proposal.



He explained that the areas covered by Ukraine's security from the countries concerned would be excluded from the areas of eastern Ukraine, which are effectively controlled by southern Crimea and pro-Russian militants.



It will be interesting to see if the Ukrainian side's proposal for "neutralization" will reach an agreement in the future.

Sovereignty of southern Crimea and eastern Ukraine

Next, the Ukrainian side will continue discussions on the sovereignty of Southern Crimea, which Russia unilaterally annexed eight years ago, for the next 15 years, during which time it will not use force to resolve the territorial dispute. I made a suggestion.



In addition, the issue of sovereignty in eastern Ukraine, which is virtually controlled by pro-Russian armed groups, will be discussed between leaders in the future.



In this regard, the Russian side has strongly insisted that Crimean is its territory and has already approved the independence of the eastern region, and the Ukrainian side has the most difficult sovereignty to resolve in this ceasefire negotiation. The problem is effectively shelved.

Significantly reduce military operations around Kyiv

In connection with the ceasefire negotiations, the Russian side has decided to significantly reduce military operations around the capital Kyiv and in Chernihiv in the north.



The Russian side says this is not a ceasefire, but a confidence-building measure.



The Russian Ministry of Defense has also stated that it will focus military operations on eastern Ukraine.

others

In addition, the Russian side does not deny Ukraine's accession to the EU = European Union.



Regarding the summit meeting requested by the Ukrainian side, the Russian side says that it is possible to hold a summit meeting once the agreement is approved at the foreign minister's level.



Regarding the contents of the agreement, the Ukrainian side says that it is necessary to hold a referendum and ask the public's will because it is necessary to revise the constitution.



For that purpose, a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops are necessary.