Ukraine lays out possible framework for peace deal with Russia

ISTANBUL — The Ukrainian delegation to talks with Russia has laid out a possible framework for a future peace deal based on legally binding security guarantees that would provide for other countries to intervene if it is attacked.

Delegate Oleksandr Chaly says the guarantees should be similar in character to NATO’s Article 5, which pledges members of the alliance to defend each other in case one is attacked.

The delegation says Ukraine is prepared to pledge to be neutral, not to host foreign military forces, and to hold talks over the next 15 years on the future of the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Delegate David Arakhamia says there would be a peace deal that would be secured by a referendum in Ukraine. That would take place only after all foreign troops have left.

Russia’s views on the proposal are not immediately clear.