Russia claims ‘parts of peace deal’ with Ukraine are close to being agreed

‘Specific formulations’ of a deal on Ukrainian neutrality that are ‘close to agreement’, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov claims

Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet in Belarus for peace negotiations. (BELTA/AFP via Getty Images)

Russia has claimed that a peace deal with Ukraine could be possible with some parts “close to” agreement.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that “neutral status” for Ukraine is now on the table.

“A neutral status is being seriously discussed in connection with security guarantees,” Lavrov told Russian channel RBK TV. “There are concrete formulations that in my view are close to being agreed.”

He added that a “business-like spirit” is also emerging at talks.

His comments come after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Ukraine should accept it will not become a member of the Nato security alliance.

Speaking in a video message, Mr Zelensky said: “Ukraine is not a member of Nato. We understand that. We have heard for years that the doors were open, but we also heard that we could not join. It’s a truth and it must be recognised.”

Regardless of his comments, some believe that Moscow used the argument over Nato as a pretext for invasion.

Mr Lavrov, however, cautioned that negotiations with Ukraine were not easy but said that there was “some hope of reaching a compromise”.

Moscow has emphasised other issues before any cessation of hositilies start, including what is says are concerns over the rights of Russian-speaking people in Ukraine, the demilitarisation of the country, and the security of people in eastern Ukraine.

Sergei Lavrov echoed talk of a ‘compromise’ between Russia and Ukraine (AP)

President Zelensky has recently indicated that he sees room for compromise in the Ukraine-Russia talks.

“The meetings continue, and, I am informed, the positions during the negotiations already sound more realistic. But time is still needed for the decisions to be in the interests in Ukraine,” he said.

The leading Ukrainian negotiator, adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, said that there were “fundamental contradictions” between the two sides but added that there was “certainly room for compromise.”

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