This initiative offers settlement options to conflict parties and those supporting them in the search for peace.

A settlement is possible

Draft Settlement 9

Settlement Options 9

Key Documents 9

Negotiation News 9

Additional Resources 9

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SETTLEMENT BAROMETER

KEY

1-10% = Extremely Unlikely
10-25% = Very Unlikely
25-40% = Unlikely
40-60% = Reasonable Prospects
60-75% = Likely
75-90% = Very Likely
90-100% = Extremely Likely

As of 20 December 2024, a settlement is becoming more likely in the upcoming year. The sides were close to an agreement through the Istanbul Process in March 2022, but peace talks broke down. Since then, negotiations have been limited to humanitarian issues, prisoner exchanges, grain exports, and nuclear security. Various states have been willing to facilitate negotiations, including China, which released its 12-point position paper in February 2023. The election of Donald Trump as the next US President is already bringing pressure to bear on the parties to reach a settlement, even though there remains significant impasses over territory, military withdrawal, and NATO expansion. Ukraine, in particular, will be concerned about reduction in international aid for its war effort. In general, the ongoing costs from the conflict and protracted resistance will reinforce settlement prospects given the difficulty of achieving a clear military victory.

Statement by the Vice Chancellor

“Over the past few weeks, many of us have been grappling with the question of how the University of Cambridge can help – not only to mitigate the humanitarian tragedy in Ukraine, but to contribute meaningfully to peace in the region. The Ukraine Peace Settlement Project shows that our scholars’ expertise can have an impact that extends far beyond the academic realm. Although all concerned acknowledge that an agreement is difficult to envision at this time, it is crucially important for background work to commence. The ideas put forward through the Project will need to be discussed by Ukraine, Russia and all states seeking to promote peace as soon as the situation on the ground in Ukraine makes that possible. The Project is a tangible and necessary contribution to the resolution of a brutal war.”

 

Professor Stephen J. Toope, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge

The ideas put forward through the Project will need to be discussed by Ukraine, Russia and all states seeking to promote peace as soon as the situation on the ground in Ukraine makes that possible.

Professor Stephen J. Toope