Status of Russia-Ukraine Talks as of March 17

Contrary to all other appearances, both sides in the Russian-Ukraine peace talks indicate that an agreement is not that far off. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said yesterday that he believes that the achievement of an agreement with Kiev, and its implementation can promptly stop the current events in Ukraine. “It is the signing of the document, clear negotiation of all parameters, and their implementation that can stop what is happening [in Ukraine] very fast,” the spokesman told journalists on March 17, reported TASS. “Our delegation exerts huge efforts, and displays much higher readiness to hold talks in emergency mode, than our Ukrainian counterparts,” Peskov said. “Our terms are clear as day, they were formulated and conveyed to the Ukrainian negotiators.”