According to reports, sources revealed that in the second phase of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict last year, Russia and Ukraine began to contact the issue of a truce. The Russian side put forward three preconditions: first, it demanded that Ukraine remain neutral after the war and not join NATO and other military organizations;Secondly, Ukraine is required to recognize the issue of sovereignty over Crimea and guarantee the status of the Russian language;Finally, it is required to maintain the status quo of the land, with the Russian-Ukrainian occupation zone as the border. But Ukraine strongly opposes these conditions, and Zelensky demanded that the Russian side must withdraw all from the territory of Ukraine before negotiations can begin.
It is reported that as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has lasted for nearly two years, the armies of the two sides have fallen into a stalemate, causing the issue of truce to once again attract widespread attention. Recently, veteran American investigative journalist Seymour Hersh revealed that Russia and Ukraine have begun to tentatively approach the issue of a truce, but have not yet made substantial progress. Zelensky plans to openly hold armistice talks in mid-January next year, but whether the Russian side will accept his conditions remains unknown. In addition, the two sides are still facing disputes such as land ownership.
According to the latest information disclosed by the New York Times and other US media, according to multiple people familiar with the matter, Russia's Putin may consider modifying the current armistice conditions and seek a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine. The conditions for this possible adjustment include Russia's continued control of about 20% of eastern Ukraine after the war, while Putin no longer insists on Zelensky**, the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine, the recognition of Crimea's sovereignty, and the use of the Russian language.
The report notes that Putin seems to be very serious about the matter, showing a willingness to "move on", and at the same time unwilling to retreat, preferring to maintain the current situation.
Although these reports have not been officially confirmed or responded to by Russia, analysts believe that if true, this could have a significant impact on the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. This is because it may be easier to reach consensus by negotiating only one condition than the previous complex requirements. After all, a large number of people are killed in senseless wars every day in both countries, so it is expected to help the negotiations.
However, some French political columnists** say that the territorial issue may be the most difficult point of negotiation. Ukraine is unlikely to accept the status quo or recognize the results of the referendum, as this could be seen as a "defeat" for the Ukrainian side, which in turn would put the Zelensky regime under threat. In other words, the other conditions that Putin "forgot" may be easier to negotiate and agree on, but the only remaining conditions may become the core issue of contention between the two sides. The report notes that the West has become suspicious of Putin's sincerity because they fear that Russia may end the war even if the initial promise is broken (that is, the special military operation must be completed). This can seriously damage the reputation of Russia**. In addition to this, the European and American sides have not yet seen any influential Ukrainian politicians agree to these terms. It is reported that one of the issues that Ukraine is most reluctant to compromise on in the negotiations is the land issue. Some commentators noted: "The outcome of the Russia-Ukraine conflict could go in two directions. If Ukraine wants to regain lost territory, there is little other way to go, unless force is used. Efforts by the European and American sides to rely on sanctions and blockades to induce Russia to return the land appear to have failed. If Zelensky no longer has the confidence to continue fighting, then he may only be able to make some concessions on the land issue. As a result, Russia's proposed terms may be seen as the most practical solution at the moment. ”