A breakthrough may be on the cards, yet fears remain.
Ukrainian and Russian officials have reportedly made significant progress on potentially bringing their conflict to a close.
21 days since Russia invaded Ukraine under the auspices of a "special military operation", both sides are said to have found common ground on a "tentative" 15-point peace plan.
The news arrives hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
stated that previous discussions sounded "more realistic" amidst fresh hopes that a peaceful agreement could be arrived at.
As of Wednesday afternoon (16 March), that possibility looks a little bit closer.
According to the
Financial Times, the plan includes a general ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops, should Ukraine declare neutrality and accept limits on its armed forces.
The FT report cites three people directly involved in the talks.
The proposed deal would see Ukraine renounce its ambitions to join Nato – something that President Zelensky has recently highlighted, noting that the "door is closed" on Ukraine joining – and submit a promise not to host foreign military bases or weaponry in exchange for protection from allies such as the US or UK.
News of the potential peace deal arrived shortly after Zelensky concluded his speech to US Congress.
During his video-link address, Zelensky once more called for a no-fly zone to be implemented over Ukraine.
He also requested for further weaponry to be provided to his people, and for sanctions to be applied to every politician associated with the Russian Federation.
"Ukraine is grateful to the United States for its overwhelming support for everything that your government and your people have done for us for weapons and ammunition," Zelensky said.
"I call on you to do more. New packages of sanctions are needed… every week until the Russian military machine stops."
As per the Financial Times
report, the mood amongst Ukrainian leaders regarding a treaty is sceptical, with fears expressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin may not be committed to a peaceful resolution.
It has been posited that Putin is simply buying time in order to rally his troops and resume a full-scale offensive.
Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak has insisted that any possible peace deal must involve Russian forces leaving the country.
