The sequence in which negotiating issues are addressed significantly affects possible outcomes. Whether parties tackle territorial questions, security arrangements, or other elements first influences what agreements prove achievable.
Some argue that security guarantees should be established before addressing territorial disputes. This sequence would clarify Ukraine’s future protection before determining which territories remain under its control.
Others suggest that ceasefire arrangements must precede detailed negotiations about final status. Stopping fighting first could save lives while creating conditions for sustained diplomatic engagement.
Russian preferences about sequencing may differ substantially from Ukrainian priorities. These procedural disagreements can themselves become obstacles to substantive progress.
American mediators must navigate sequencing preferences while keeping negotiations moving forward. The order of issue resolution represents a tactical choice with strategic implications.