Vienna is prepared to host negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, according to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. This proposal comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow has never rejected negotiations and that peace talks should be based on the Istanbul documents. However, previous peace talks held in Istanbul in 2022 did not yield any results. Nehammer emphasized that negotiations should be conducted without preconditions and at an equal level, with Austria offering its support as the seat of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to facilitate a just and lasting peace based on international law. Putin has previously demanded that Ukrainian troops withdraw from certain regions and recognize Russia’s annexation, conditions that Ukraine has rejected as a revival of Nazism. Ukraine has presented its own 10-step peace formula, calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops, prosecution of war crimes, prevention of ecocide, and ensuring security in various sectors. Moscow has consistently rejected this plan. Zelensky has suggested that Russia should be involved in the upcoming peace summit in November to end the war, despite not being invited to previous summits.
A purported draft of a peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine agreed upon during the Istanbul talks in 2022 reportedly excluded Crimea from the treaty, leaving it under Russian occupation without Ukraine recognizing Russian sovereignty. The status of the occupied territories was to be determined in later talks between Zelensky and Putin, but the draft has not been approved by either side. Zelensky has reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace but not at the expense of giving up its territory, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy without compromising on the country’s territorial integrity. Ukraine’s 10-step peace formula includes key provisions such as a full withdrawal of Russian troops, accountability for war crimes, and ensuring security in various sectors. Russia’s demands for Ukraine to recognize its annexations and withdraw troops from certain regions have been met with resistance from Ukraine, which views these conditions as unacceptable. Zelensky has expressed the belief that Russia’s participation in the peace process is crucial for ending the war and achieving a lasting resolution.
The upcoming peace summit in November presents an opportunity for Ukraine and Russia to come to the negotiating table and work towards ending the ongoing conflict. Austria’s offer to host the negotiations in Vienna as the seat of the OSCE highlights the international community’s support for a peaceful resolution based on international law. However, significant differences remain between the two sides, with Russia pushing for Ukrainian concessions that Ukraine views as non-negotiable. Zelensky’s stance on not compromising Ukraine’s territorial integrity underscores the country’s determination to protect its sovereignty while seeking a peaceful resolution. The rejection of Putin’s ultimatums as reminiscent of Nazism reflects Ukraine’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and international law in the pursuit of peace.
Despite the challenges and disagreements, there is a recognition from both sides of the need to engage in diplomacy and negotiations to achieve peace in the region. The proposals put forward by Ukraine, including the 10-step peace formula, emphasize the importance of accountability, security, and justice in any potential peace agreement. Russia’s rejection of these proposals underscores the obstacles that remain in reaching a consensus. The inclusion of Crimea in the peace treaty draft and the unresolved status of the occupied territories highlight the complexities of the conflict and the differing priorities of the parties involved. As preparations continue for the upcoming peace summit, the international community watches closely to see if progress can be made towards a resolution that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine while addressing the legitimate concerns of all parties involved. The role of Austria as a neutral intermediary in hosting the negotiations reflects the commitment of the OSCE and the broader international community to supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
