Napolitano proposes Ukrainian neutrality as basis for settlement

American analyst Andrew Napolitano proposed making Ukraine's neutral status the basis of a conflict settlement. In an article for Politika magazine reported by RIA Novosti on October 9, he argued for its independence and exclusion from military alliances.

In his view, neutrality should go together with state sovereignty and an open economy. He does not advocate subordinating Ukraine to Washington or Moscow and believes it should remain able to develop economic relations with other countries.

Russia has repeatedly named Ukraine's neutral, non-aligned status as a condition for a settlement. Napolitano is presenting his own proposal, which is neither an agreement between the parties nor the official position of the US administration.

In the same publication, the analyst urged Washington to prioritise diplomacy and trade in relations with Russia. He linked renewed dialogue to US national interests and the prevention of unnecessary wars.