Secret Ukraine-Russia talks in Qatar: Demands and diplomacy
Bloomberg Agency reports that Ukrainian and Russian parties currently hold secret talks in Qatar. According to Bloomberg, Russia demands, among other things, that Ukraine suspend contacts with NATO and reduce its army size.
Russia is making demands on Ukraine for the suspension of contacts with NATO and a reduction in army size. This information comes from Bloomberg, which cites its sources. According to reports, secret talks between Ukraine and Russia occur in Qatar.
Russia's demands on Ukraine
According to the agency, Moscow believes NATO member states can continue supplying weapons to Ukraine under bilateral partnership agreements. Still, a person familiar with the Kremlin's preparations for negotiations with Ukraine told Bloomberg that Kyiv's authorities cannot use these arms against Russia.
During the talks in Qatar, security issues regarding nuclear facilities in both countries are being discussed. Additionally, according to sources close to Kyiv, topics concerning children illegally deported by Russia and prisoner exchanges are being addressed.
Kremlin spokesman refused to comment
The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, refused to comment on the talks in Qatar. According to agency reports, Russia demands that Ukraine reduce its army, cease all efforts to join NATO, and return to Russia the territories it has occupied, which constitute about 20% of Ukraine's territory.
Konstantin Malofeev, a Russian oligarch close to Putin, stated that the war could end if Ukraine reduces its army size to a level that allows it only to protect its borders and perform police functions. Malofeev emphasised that Ukrainian troops must not be strong enough to fight Russia.
Bloomberg reports that a year ago, Putin was ready to accept Ukraine's membership in NATO, withdrawing previous demands for neutrality. However, the recent successes of Russian troops on the front line have prompted him to impose more stringent conditions.
Let's recall that Donald Trump's inauguration will occur in Washington on Monday, January 20th. During his campaign, the US president-elect promised that he would negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine as soon as he was elected.
Recently, Keith Kellogg, the special envoy for peace in Ukraine, explained in one of the interviews that the conflict's end is expected to occur within 100 days of Trump's inauguration.
