Negotiators discuss demilitarised zone in Donbas

Peace talks discuss demilitarised zone in Donbas: what is known

During the peace talks on the war between Ukraine and Russia, the parties are actively discussing the possibility of creating a demilitarised zone in Donbas, where neither army will be present. This was reported by The New York Times citing sources familiar with the consultations.

Details of the negotiations

According to the publication, this is a return to an idea that has already appeared in previous peace initiatives, but was not implemented then.

The negotiators are also considering the option of creating a demilitarised territory inside the special economic or trade zone. It is assumed that economic incentives could make such a decision more acceptable to both Kyiv and Moscow.

At the same time, experts point to serious practical difficulties. In particular, the demilitarised territory would actually be between two armies, which makes it much more difficult to guarantee security, economic freedom and the stable functioning of any trade model.

US position and the course of the meetings

The White House announced «significant progress» in the ongoing negotiations in Geneva.

Nevertheless, the last round of consultations lasted only about two hours and ended without any breakthrough decisions. The parties agreed to continue the negotiation process.

Context.

The topic of the demilitarised zone in eastern Ukraine has been repeatedly raised in various diplomatic plans since the start of the full-scale war.

The key issues remain:

• security guarantees;

• a mechanism for controlling the territory;

• economic status of the region;

• political conditions for a possible settlement.

Without agreeing on these parameters, the implementation of such an initiative seems unlikely.