Hope in sight

Russia claims to be close to reaching a peace agreement that will see Ukraine become a neutral nation, according to its foreign minister.

Vladimir Putin’s apparent desire to find a way out of the war he launched comes as his forces have been pummelling by gallant Ukrainian resistance and may succumb in 10 days.

Sergey Lavrov, a peace settlement based on Ukrainian neutrality may be in the works. Credit: Environmental Protection Agency

When the Russian despot launched the invasion on February 23, he expected a fast triumph, but Kyiv’s soldiers claim to have slain more than 13,500 invaders.

Generals have been murdered, aircraft have been shot down, tanks have been ambushed, and films have emerged of tearful soldiers surrendering to the Ukrainians.

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s foreign minister, stated that negotiations with Ukraine are now focused on achieving a neutral status for the war-torn nation.

“A neutral status is being seriously considered in relation to security assurances,” Lavrov said on Russian television.

“There are certain formulations that, in my opinion, are on the verge of being agreed upon.”

The Austrian model is being explored, which has its own military but is obligated to neutrality under the 1955 Austrian State Treaty.

Austria’s constitution forbids the country from joining military alliances or establishing foreign military bases on its soil.

“This is a variation that is presently being debated and might be viewed as a compromise,” said Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson.