The ‘Steinmeier Formula': A Path to Peace?

Introduction

There is a presumption in such arguments that the political aims of Russia is the utter destruction, submission or annexation of Ukraine. However, this should not be taken as a given. Rather, any consideration of the conflict in Ukraine must consider what the main goals of the active parties are. There are three main active parties: the Ukrainian state, the Russian state and the rebels active in certain areas. Debates over how much popular support the rebels enjoy and how much the Russian state must subsidise the rebels in terms of manpower and equipment will remain unknowns for some time to come. However, what is known is that there is support — even it the extent is not. Therefore, the question regarding motivation must include Russia's goals as well the rebels' and Ukraine's.

Any peace plan which hopes to conclude the conflict in Ukraine must hope to be able to satisfy as many of the aims of as many of the actors as possible. It must be able to return politics to the realm of politics and ensure that the continuation of politics by other means is either too costly or unprofitable to be returned to. The question is whether or not The ‘Steinmeier Formula’ is a peace plan which may achieve such a difficult goal. In order to answer such a question first the aims of the actors must be established, before explaining the historical background of The ‘Steinmeier Formula’, which can be found in The Normandy Format Talks, then The ‘Steinmeier Formula’ itself is discussed before finally focusing on whether or not this is a solution which may satisfy all.