Russia's Offer to End War Hinged on Ukraine's NATO Membership

Russia reportedly offered to end its invasion of Ukraine if Ukraine abandoned its plans to join NATO during peace talks in spring 2022. However, Ukrainian negotiators were skeptical of Russia's sincerity and feared a potential double cross. The proposal for Ukraine to adopt a neutral position would require a constitutional change, as Ukraine is currently committed to NATO membership. Ukrainian politicians believed that signing an agreement without security guarantees would leave Ukraine vulnerable to another incursion. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson advised against signing any agreement with Russia and encouraged Ukraine to continue fighting. Talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin were halted when Russian troops retreated from Kyiv, exposing apparent war crimes committed during the invasion. NATO expansion has continued, but there is reluctance to initiate Ukrainian membership while the country is at war.