Talks with Russia may yield framework for ceasefire

Of course, this doesn't mean that we're already on the path to determining timeframes for cessation of hostilities, or that Russia has accepted an approach that involves compromise, and it's not certain that it will accept one. Russia's intention to use further terror against Ukraine's civilian population hasn't gone anywhere, which we all observe and experience daily.

"But the period of hybridity in the negotiation process for Russia is also running out; the "balalaika" cannot play the same thing endlessly. Indicative in this case are the composition of the delegations, the topics of discussions, and the format, which will allow certain conclusions to be drawn."

1. Instead of a pseudo-historical buffoon, the Russian delegation this time was headed by the leader of a department that at least has a relationship to what is connected with Russia's military course and actions.

2. Despite the closed nature of the negotiation process, all sides have nevertheless outlined the range of issues that precisely belong to the components and conditions of a ceasefire itself. I have in mind the discussion, first and foremost, of the military component. Significant for us in this sense is the information about possible monitoring by the U.S. of compliance with the ceasefire regime in case it is achieved.

3. There are working groups, which means division by theme on specific issues, and a continuation of negotiations has already been announced. Of course, the most difficult topics may remain without movement. But there is hope that on other components, there may possibly be results, and perhaps in this way a certain algorithm will be worked out.

Of course, I repeat, this doesn't mean that the very fact of negotiations is already a redirection of movement/passage of the fork from war to peace. But without a real negotiation process, there won't be such movement either.

For us, as before (if we're talking about negotiations specifically with Russia), what is fundamental is the range of issues that relates directly to the cessation of hostilities and the conditions that would ensure its sustainability. Because this concerns precisely that very approach: first a ceasefire, then—a spectrum of political issues.

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About the author. Olesia Yakhno, Ukrainian journalist, political scientist.

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