What does neutrality and non-nuclear status mean for Kiev?

For the first time since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the door to peace At the end of the conversation the mind seems to have opened up Russian-Ukrainian in Istanbul. Russian negotiators have indicated that the chances of an end to peace are close if an agreement is reached on Ukraine’s “neutrality and non-nuclear status”. The requirements developed by Russia for a long time and the President of Ukraine Recently agreed to seriously consider To end the war. But what are we talking about here, and what does this mean for Kiev?

What are the criteria for becoming a neutral country?

In this case, there is no single definition in any international treaty that is engraved black on white. To Patrice Bouveret, director Arms Watch, We can qualify objectively as “a country that does not participate in the invasion or occupation of another country within the framework of a military alliance.” So much for the general definition, but in reality, there are many types of neutrals as there are states that belong to this club. The reason is simple: neutrality is determined by an international agreement taken within the framework of the UN and recognized by the various countries involved, which together define the parameters.

“Depending on their history and their involvement in past conflicts” criteria vary from country to country, the expert continues. For example, Switzerland and Austria are both neutral countries, but Austria Being in a military alliance in which Germany is also located is prohibited in its position. Both countries were allies during the First and Second World Wars, but this was a condition due to the fact that Switzerland did not understand.

What does non-nuclear status mean for a country?

“By adhering to this position, Patrice Bouvert explains that a country should not have nuclear weapons or develop a nuclear military program, which means that it did not receive nuclear weapons from another country. The U.S. has nuclear weapons on its soil as part of the alliance.

On the other hand, the non-nuclear status quo is not about civilian nuclear energy. That means Nuclear power plants can continue to operate To produce energy in the country.

What are the consequences for Ukraine?

As for the non-nuclear status quo, nothing really moved for Ukraine, which has no nuclear weapons and is already a member. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). As for its neutrality, it’s another story. This means that Ukraine will abandon joining NATO. “It will become a buffer zone between NATO member states and Russia,” Patrice Bouveret said succinctly.

On the other hand, this does not mean that Ukraine should be militarized. “Neutrality is not the absence of a military force aimed at maintaining peace or security in the country,” the director of the Arms Watch said. In addition, there are eight neutral countries in Europe (Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Austria, Sweden, FinlandIreland and Malta) are the only three states in Europe that do not have a national army: Andorra, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Neutral Ukraine with non-nuclear status, tomorrow?

They can not violate the law because the Russian and Ukrainian motives go in the same direction. In fact, Ukraine’s desire to join NATO is enshrined in the constitution. “ Statements by the President It has no unconstitutional legal value, ”underlined AFP Olga Avasovsky, director of the Ukrainian NGO Obora. It should therefore be modified by amendments or referendum. Both are prohibited by Ukrainian law during wartime. Even if the war is stopped, it is not certain whether members of parliament or the Ukrainian people plan to abandon NATO.

On the other hand, the recognition of neutrality is guaranteed by the parliaments of the countries, i.e. the UN. Must be approved by Security Council members. Russia And Ukraine. So starting in Ukraine everyone will go there according to their own terms, which has already demanded an “international agreement” to guarantee its security. Kyiv wants the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Poland, Turkey and Israel to sign the agreement and react if attacked.