On November 22, the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM) hosted a public debate and workshop in the framework of the Horizon 2020 EU-LISTCO project. The event presented Donbas as a case of limited statehood in Europe’s eastern neighbourhood, and the panel debate featured remarks by Hanna Shelest, Foreign Policy Council Ukrainian Prism; Oleg Ignatov, Centre for Current Policy; Marek Menkiszak, Centre for Eastern Studies; and András Rácz, German Council on Foreign Relations. Discussions focused on how the war in Ukraine will impact European security, as well as the state of the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, the role of the Normandy Format talks in the peace process, and the potential influence that the Steinmeier Formula will have on the situation in Ukraine.

During the debate, a difference of opinion emerged on how to reach an agreement between Ukraine and Russia. Oleg Ignatov pointed to Russia’s rigid negotiating position, arguing that the Russian authorities expect Ukraine to first introduce a “special status” for Donbas and hold local elections on territories currently outside the control of the government in Kyiv. In turn, Hanna Shelest emphasized the priority of withdrawing Russian soldiers from Donbas and ensuring that the region meets the appropriate security conditions for holding elections.

The speakers agreed that the Normandy Format talks, which took place in December 2019, would not bring any breakthrough in the negotiations. In these circumstances, Racz and Menkiszak suggested employing a strategy of “small steps,” which entails gaining gradual concessions from both Russia and Ukraine that ultimately leads to conflict de-escalation.

After the debate, PISM organized a closed workshop with experts from EU member states, Ukraine, and Russia. The discussion focused on “quasi-states” and areas of limited statehood and contested order in the EU’s eastern neighborhood, including internal workings, the role of external actors, and the prospects of settling ongoing conflicts.

A highlights video is featured below, but to watch the full panel debate, please click here.