Ukraine and Russia hold secret talks to discuss possible concessions. This was reported by Alice Botha, editor of the political department of the German publication Die Zeit.
According to her, these talks include mutual deterrence from strikes on energy infrastructure, a prisoner exchange, the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children and a grain deal. The negotiations were held in Copenhagen, in Kiev, in Malta, in Davos and in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, where even Chinese representatives were present.
Some of these negotiations have failed.
The Black Sea Agreement was terminated after just over a year. At the same time, Qatar-initiated talks to protect the infrastructure stalled when the Kursk operation began, Botha wrote.
Other efforts by diplomats have been more successful and have benefited both sides. A number of these negotiations are not known to anyone – precisely for the reason that private diplomacy is most successful.
Non-public diplomacy or the so-called track two aims to test the limits of what is possible. What is Ukraine ready for? Can the question of the future of the Crimean peninsula be postponed? In what areas will Russia agree to make concessions? These issues are discussed privately and not at the highest level, the editor claims.
“Imagine what would happen in Ukraine if there were suddenly rumors that President Zelensky was ready to cede territory. But when Ukrainian and Russian officials, political advisers and political analysts talk about it in confidence, the other side knows where the room for maneuver is. And where is he gone,” writes Alyssa Botha.
She notes that German officials, who are calling for the war to be resolved by diplomacy rather than arms, are aware of the ongoing processes.
However, when they talk about peace, they mean the surrender of Ukraine.
“The question is no longer whether negotiations will take place. The question is when and how. One thing is decisive: Vladimir Putin must be ready for this,” the author summarizes.
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