War in Ukraine: Russia publishes plan for a “peace solution”

Russia has for the first time published its memorandum with demands on Ukraine for a possible future peace treaty. It is required by Ukraine to recognize international binding recognition in point one that the Crimea peninsula, Donetsk, Luhansk, Cherson and Saporischschja are part of the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian leadership had always categorically rejected such recognition of annexation violating international law. With the memorandum, Moscow remains with its maximum demands and practically requires Kiev to surrender.

In point two out of twelve, Russia calls for a commitment from Ukraine to neutrality and freedom of the loss – the binding waiver of membership in NATO is meant. In the other points, some of which were known so far, it is about confirming the nuclear weapons -free status of Ukraine and limiting the number of Ukrainian soldiers. Moscow also demands the dissolution of nationalist military groups and the national guard.

Russia published the text of the memorandum after direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, where the document was handed over to Kiev. They announced an examination of the catalog. Ukraine had already vehemently rejected the known demands of Russia.

Moscow calls for Russian to be recognized as an official language

For a permanent settlement of the conflict, Moscow requires the protection of minority rights of the Russian and Russian -speaking population and the recognition of Russian as an official language. From Moscow’s point of view, Kiev should also commit to cancel all sanctions and to resume diplomatic relationships. Even a resumption of the gas transit through Ukraine to Europe is listed in the paper.

A peace treaty, it is determined by the declaration of intent, should be confirmed after the signing by a legally binding UN resolution.

The talks in Istanbul were the second direct negotiations after the first round in May. Before that, there had been such direct negotiations over the end of the war in 2022. They failed at the time.