Neutrality for Ukraine is on the table, says Russian Foreign Minister
The Hindu
There's hope for compromise, says Sergei Lavrov
Russia said on Wednesday that peace talks with Ukraine were not easy but that there was some hope of reaching a compromise and that neutrality for Ukraine was being seriously discussed.
“The negotiations are not easy for obvious reasons,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told RBC news. “But nevertheless, there is some hope of reaching a compromise.”
"Neutral status is now being seriously discussed along, of course, with security guarantees," Mr. Lavrov said.
Ukraine has also made cautious positive statements on peace talks. It says it is willing to negotiate to the end the war, but will not surrender or accept Russian ultimatums.
Mr. Lavrov said key issues included the security of people in eastern Ukraine, the demilitarisation of Ukraine and the rights of Russian-speaking people in Ukraine.
Announcing the invasion on February 24, President Vladimir Putin blamed the United States for threatening Russia by enlarging the NATO military alliance eastwards into Russia’s backyard.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Russia’s demands for ending the war as becoming “more realistic”.
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