Russia may withdraw from negotiations over Donbas

Moscow may disrupt peace talks over Donbas

Russia is considering withdrawing from the peace talks on Ukraine if Kyiv does not agree to territorial concessions, in particular regarding Donbas. This was reported by Bloomberg citing sources close to the Kremlin.

It is expected that the round of talks scheduled for next week could be decisive for the fate of the diplomatic process.

Details of the situation

According to sources, Moscow is increasingly questioning the feasibility of continuing negotiations in the current format without Ukraine's willingness to make territorial compromises.

Interlocutors close to the Kremlin say that the next round of talks could determine whether there is a chance for an agreement to end the war.

At the same time, Ukraine has repeatedly stated that it will not agree to the transfer of the occupied territories to Russia.

Positions of the parties

The Russian side insists on territorial concessions as a condition for moving forward with a peace agreement.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stressed that Kyiv does not recognise Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territories and views Donbas as a key element of the country's defence.

Why the next week is critical

A new round of talks with the US is due to take place in the coming days. Sources call it a potentially crucial one.

At the same time, there is no independent confirmation of Russia's readiness to officially withdraw from the negotiations.

Context.

The negotiation process between Ukraine and Russia remains blocked primarily due to the issue of control over the occupied territories.

Analysts point out that the Donbas issue is the main stumbling block in attempts to end the war.