First Draft of the Peace Memorandum for the Russo-Ukrainian Conflict
Memorandum of Barcelona
Memorandum of Barcelona
Date: [Date of signature]
Place: Barcelona (Kingdom of Spain)
SIGNING PARTIES
Government of Ukraine, represented by:
[Name of the representative of the Ukrainian government], [Position]
Government of Russian Federation, represented by:
[Name of the representative of the Russian Federation], [Position]
Donetsk Popular Republic, represented by:
[Name of the representative of the Donetsk Popular Republic, considering N 6-FKZ Federal Law], [Position]
Luhansk Popular Republic, represented by:
[Name of the representative of the Luhansk Popular Republic, considering N 6-FKZ Federal Law], [Position]
Jerson Region, represented by:
[Name of the representative of the Jerson Region, considering N 6-FKZ Federal Law], [Position]
Zaporizhzhia Region, represented by:
[Name of the representative of the Zaporizhzhia Region, considering N 6-FKZ Federal Law], [Position]
Promoter of the peace memorandum, represented by:
Dr. Carlos González Haro, [Position]
MOTIVATION
This Peace Memorandum arises as an urgent response to the inaction and passivity of world leaders, who, despite numerous international instances and calls from civil society, have failed to halt the devastating war in Ukraine. This war, which has claimed an enormous human cost, has resulted in the deaths of over one million people—a tragedy that not only affects the combatants but also innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of a senseless conflict.
The magnitude of human suffering and the collateral effects of this conflict are not limited to the direct victims; they extend to future generations who will carry the physical, psychological, and social scars of a prolonged war. Mass displacement, humanitarian crises, and the destruction of essential infrastructure are just a few of the impacts that define the harsh reality of the conflict, and they will be irreversible if immediate action is not taken.
War, like all wars, represents a rupture with the fundamental values that guide human coexistence: peace, respect for human rights, and the dignity of individuals. In this context, this Memorandum aims not only to end hostilities immediately but also to restore the humanistic principles that should prevail in a civilized society. The international inaction in the face of this crisis reflects a disconnect from the pain and needs of the affected populations and a disregard for the ideals that underpin the international order based on justice, cooperation, and peace.
This memorandum is driven by the firm purpose of ending the barbarity of war, opening space for diplomacy and dialogue. Its creation responds to the urgent need to give a voice to the victims, initiate a process leading to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and establish a path toward a lasting and sustainable peace. Signing this document is an act of responsibility and a call to the involved parties to commit, in the name of humanity, to end the violence and suffering that has torn apart millions of lives in Ukraine and beyond.
Finally, this memorandum seeks to restore trust in international diplomacy and in the ability of global actors to create effective solutions to armed conflicts. The time to act is now, and this document represents the first step toward a future in which weapons do not dictate the fate of nations, but rather mutual understanding, justice, and peace.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Memorandum is to establish a framework for negotiating a peace agreement between the parties in conflict, with the aim of ending the war in Ukraine and ensuring a sustainable and lasting peace, while respecting human rights, national sovereignty, territorial integrity (adapted to the new geopolitical reality), and the well-being of the affected populations. Additionally, it seeks to ensure the country's economic progress.
I. Fundamental Principles of Negotiation
I.1. Immediate Ceasefire: Both parties commit to an immediate, unconditional, and verifiable ceasefire, with the goal of ending violence and the destruction of human lives. This ceasefire will be monitored by a multilateral international mission composed of the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to ensure compliance across all conflict areas. This mission will have the authority to monitor and verify the cessation of all armed attacks, as well as the withdrawal of troops from disputed areas, ensuring the cessation of territorial occupation and the protection of civilian populations. The objective is to create a safe environment for the commencement of a genuine peace process, involving gradual disarmament and the restoration of trust between the parties.
I.2. Respect for the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine: The parties will reaffirm their commitment to the fundamental principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Russian Federation and Ukraine agree to recognize Russia’s sovereignty over the Republic of Crimea, in accordance with the agreements established in this memorandum. Regarding other regions currently under occupation (Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, Kherson Region, and Zaporizhzhia Region), an internationally supervised referendum will be held to determine which sovereignty the affected territories wish to remain under. The options will include integration into the Russian Federation, return to Ukraine, or the creation of an autonomous status within either of the two countries. This process will be conducted with transparency and fairness, always under the impartial supervision of international bodies to ensure the validity and acceptance of the results by all parties involved.
I.3. Disarmament and Demilitarization: The parties agree to a gradual disarmament and demilitarization process in the conflict zones, which will involve the withdrawal of non-national military forces and the disbandment of irregular armed groups. In the territories occupied by Russia (excluding the Republic of Crimea), the presence of Russian military forces will be permitted, alongside an international observation and monitoring mission (UN, OSCE, and SCO), until the aforementioned referendums are conducted. Once the results of these referendums are clear and accepted by the parties, the withdrawal of all foreign forces will take place, and international borders will be restored in accordance with the outcomes of the popular consultations. This process will be conducted under the continuous supervision of the mentioned international bodies to ensure that all parties comply with the established terms.
I.4. Reparations and Humanitarian Aid: Both parties commit to the creation of a comprehensive humanitarian aid plan, designed and implemented with the support of international organizations. This plan will aim to address the urgent needs of civilians affected by the conflict, providing medical assistance, food and water, and supporting the reconstruction of vital infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and homes. Furthermore, access to basic services will be guaranteed for internally displaced persons and refugees, ensuring their safe and dignified return to their homes once conditions allow. The parties agree to work in coordination with humanitarian organizations to ensure that aid reaches those in need efficiently and without obstruction, promoting the rehabilitation of affected communities and the restoration of normalcy in regions devastated by the conflict.
II. Principles of Implementation and Supervision
II.1. International Supervision Commission: An International Supervision Commission will be established, composed of multilateral organizations, including the UN, OSCE, and SCO, with the goal of ensuring compliance with the agreed conditions, particularly the ceasefire and disarmament and demilitarization processes. This commission will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of all peace measures, ensuring transparency and accountability from all parties involved. Additionally, mechanisms for reporting and verification will be put in place, with the active participation of impartial observers and the incorporation of advanced technologies to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the supervision.
II.2. Demobilization and Reintegration Plan: The parties will agree on a comprehensive and gradual plan for the demobilization of non-regular forces involved in the conflict and the reintegration of combatants into civilian life. This plan will be supported by international reintegration programs, providing combatants with access to vocational training, education, and psychological assistance. All combatants and their immediate families will receive a lifetime monthly subsidy, equivalent to at least six (6) times the minimum wage, as compensation for their participation in the conflict. Additionally, the families of combatants killed or disappeared in combat will receive compensation of one hundred (100) million euros (€) for each loss, as support for their well-being and the reconstruction of their lives. The process will be supervised by international organizations to ensure its effectiveness and fairness.
II.3. Justice and Accountability Process: A Truth and Justice Commission will be established, composed of representatives from the UN, OSCE, and SCO, to investigate human rights violations, war crimes, and other abuses committed during the conflict. This commission will operate under the principles of impartiality, transparency, and justice, ensuring that all those responsible for grave crimes are prosecuted in accordance with international law, and that victims receive appropriate recognition and reparations. The perpetrators will be tried according to the provisions of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), or a tribunal designated by mutual agreement between the parties, ensuring sanctions proportional to the severity of the crimes committed. Additionally, access to justice for victims will be promoted through compensation and reparation mechanisms as an integral part of the country’s collective healing process.
II.4. Constitutional Reform: If it is agreed to grant greater autonomy to certain regions, particularly those with Russian-speaking communities within Ukraine, a constitutional reform will be carried out to implement a federal or decentralized system. This reform will be designed to ensure the protection of the rights of local communities, guaranteeing respect for and inclusion of their ethnic and linguistic diversity. Additionally, mechanisms for public consultation will be implemented to ensure that decisions are made within a democratic and representative framework. The constitutional reform will aim to foster national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among different communities, contributing to the long-term stability of the country.
III. Conditions for the Continuity of the Peace Process
III.1. Guarantees of Non-Repetition: The parties commit to implementing a set of preventive measures to ensure that acts of violence are not repeated in the future. These measures will include deep reforms in governmental institutions and the creation of robust accountability mechanisms, with a particular focus on strengthening the judicial system. Additionally, peace education will be promoted at all levels, with programs aimed at training community leaders, local authorities, and society at large in principles of peaceful conflict resolution. The inclusion of civil society, as well as human rights organizations, will be essential to ensure that these reforms are sustainable and meet the needs of affected populations. The reforms will be supervised by an independent international monitoring committee to ensure their effectiveness and prevent the resurgence of violence.
III.2. International Mediation: The international community, through the UN, OSCE, and SCO, will play a central role in mediating and overseeing the peace process. A high-level diplomatic team will be appointed to provide technical, logistical, and political support to ensure the success of the negotiations and the implementation of the agreements reached. At all times, the promoter of the peace plan will act as the principal mediator, ensuring neutrality, impartiality, and respect for the legitimate interests of all parties. Its role will be to facilitate dialogue, resolve possible disputes, and ensure that the parties adhere to the commitments made. International mediation will not only be present in the negotiations but also in the supervision and resolution of any disagreements that may arise during the implementation process.
III.3. Periodic Review: The implementation process of the peace agreement will undergo periodic reviews to ensure its effectiveness and the continuous fulfillment of the established commitments. These reviews will take place monthly, with the participation of representatives of the signing parties, international observers, and civil society organizations. If difficulties or deviations in implementation are identified, necessary adjustments will be made to correct the course of the process. The review will be an open and transparent process, with the possibility of adjusting deadlines, measures, or approaches based on the circumstances and progress achieved. This dynamic approach will ensure the flexibility and adaptability of the peace process, ensuring that it remains viable and effective over time.
IV. Special Conditions
IV.1. Treatment of Prisoners of War: Both parties commit to the immediate release of all prisoners of war and to ensuring their treatment in strict compliance with International Humanitarian Law, particularly the Geneva Conventions. This includes, but is not limited to, providing dignified treatment, access to adequate medical assistance, and protection from any form of abuse or mistreatment. Furthermore, an independent and international monitoring mechanism will be established, composed of humanitarian organizations designated by the parties and approved by the UN, OSCE, and SCO, to ensure that the conditions of the prisoners are continuously monitored and that all applicable international regulations are adhered to. The parties also commit to allowing regular contact with their families and providing appropriate conditions for their repatriation as soon as possible, in accordance with the agreements reached.
IV.2. Participation of Civil Society: The active and meaningful inclusion of civil society will be a fundamental pillar in the peace process, recognizing its crucial role in post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation. Transparent and effective consultation and participation mechanisms will be established, through which communities affected by the conflict can express their needs, concerns, and proposals. These mechanisms will include: Creation of spaces for dialogue and consultation, inclusion of civil society in decision-making, training and empowerment of civil society, communication and transparency mechanisms, and review and evaluation of the process.
V. Signatures and Commitments
The signatory parties acknowledge that this memorandum constitutes a fundamental and decisive step toward building lasting and just peace, and they firmly and unconditionally commit to advancing the negotiations until a definitive agreement is reached. Both parties agree that this process must be transparent, inclusive, and subject to continuous evaluation, with the goal of ensuring that the commitments made are effectively implemented within the shortest possible timeframe.
They commit to working jointly and in good faith, with the support of the international community, to overcome any obstacles that may arise and ensure that all aspects of the agreement are fully implemented, particularly with regard to human rights, victim reparations, the reconstruction of affected communities, and the reintegration of combatants.
Furthermore, the parties recognize that their commitment extends beyond the signing of this memorandum and includes dedication to an ongoing process of dialogue, cooperation, and reconciliation, which can ensure long-term stability and peaceful coexistence among all parties involved. The parties commit to sparing no effort or resources in implementing the agreements reached, recognizing that peace is a shared endeavor that requires the commitment of all sectors of society.
SIGNATORIES
[Name of the Representative of the Government of Ukraine]:
Position:
Signature: _______________________
[Name of the Representative of the Russian Federation]:
Position:
Signature: _______________________
[Name of the Representative of the Donetsk Popular Republic]:
Position:
Signature: _______________________
[Name of the Representative of the Luhansk Popular Republic]:
Position:
Signature: _______________________
[Name of the Representative of the Jerson Region]:
Position:
Signature: _______________________
[Name of the Representative of the Zaporizhzhia Region]:
Position:
Signature: _______________________
Name of the Promoter of the peace Memorandum: Dr. Carlos Gonzalez Haro
Position:
Signature: _______________________
International Witnesses
[Name, Title, and Signature of Neutral International Representatives, if applicable]