Russian and Ukrainian officials have been in talks for a number of days now. However, things appear to be more optimistic as further talks are scheduled.
Although Russia's attack on Ukraine has not ceased, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has said a neutral military status for Ukraine is being "seriously discussed".
Moscow's ground advance on Ukraine has now been stalled even though airstrikes continue. Still, things are looking more hopeful, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming that Russia's demands for ending the war were becoming "more realistic".
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According to the Financial Times, a 15-point plan has been drawn up to outline an end to the war.
The plan is said to include a ceasefire, Russian withdrawal, and Kyiv accepting neutrality and curbs on its armed forces.
The Financial Times also reported that Ukraine would be forced to give up its bid to join NATO.
Ukraine would also have to remove any foreign military bases or weaponry from the country.
However, an end to the war may be further complicated by the situation with Ukrainian territories taken by Russia since 2014.
Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to the Ukrainian president, told the Financial Times that any deal would involve "the troops of the Russian Federation, in any case, leaving the territory of Ukraine" captured since the invasion began on February 24th.
This would include southern regions along the Azov and Black Seas, as well as territory to the east and north of Kyiv.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said "the business-like spirit" starting to surface in the talks "gives hope that we can agree on this issue".
"A neutral status is being seriously discussed in connection with security guarantees," he said on Russian channel RBK TV.
"There are concrete formulations that, in my view, are close to being agreed."
Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, has also said the aides were discussing a smaller, non-aligned military for Ukraine.
However, Ukraine has already decided it must strengthen its defences.
Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said: "We need to reset our military posture for this new reality.
"Ministers will start an important discussion on concrete measures to reinforce our security for the longer term, in all domains."
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