According to Russia's Chief Negotiator Vladimir Medinsky, Russia and Ukraine's views are most aligned on the latter's status as a "neutral" country and offer not to join NATO, reported Russia's state-run Interfax news outlet. Russia and Ukraine are currently discussing nuances linked to security guarantees for Ukraine should it refuse to joining NATO, Interfax reported. Moscow and Kyiv are "halfway there" on the issue of Ukraine's demilitarisation, the report added. 

Market Reaction

Reporting on the state of peace negotiations and alleged progress this week has thus far been mixed and conflicting, so traders are likely taking the latest commentary from Medinsky with a grain of salt. Markets have not reacted to the latest reports.