Baseline: Russia Must Leave Ukraine Before Any Talks Begin

My video argues that the baseline for negotiations with Russia must be clearly established in accordance with international law and fundamental principles of justice. The US, specifically Washington is operating off another baseline.
Specifically, the prerequisite for any diplomatic discussions should be Russia’s full withdrawal from all occupied Ukrainian territories. Only after this condition is met can conversations regarding reparations, security guarantees, and broader diplomatic resolutions take place.
Anything less is Washington not understanding the totality of the matter and how setting a just baseline is really for making the world a better place.Evidence based on history and understanding international law, is that he current talks around negotiations has been skewed by Russian narratives that attempt to redefine the baseline in a way that legitimizes territorial conquest.
However, international law, including United Nations resolutions, the Budapest Memorandum, and the Minsk Agreements, provides a clear legal framework: territorial aggression cannot be rewarded. Accepting any alternative baseline risks normalizing the violation of sovereign borders and undermining the principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity.I am a monetary economist but I use my critical thinking to examines the current negotiations, demonstrating simply with logic and analogy how Russia has strategically shifted the global conversation to a baseline of acceptable terms.
We can not think this way. If we want to make the world a better place we have to have a reality check with ideals of goodness and justice -demanding the full restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders.

[@andriidubinin955]

If ruzzian trolls noticed your channel - means you are doing the right thing... Thank you Mark! 👍❤

[@EconLessons]

Thank you Andrii

[@ZiggyAndTheSpiderFromMars]

I wonder who will stop getting paid first as it all collapses, the Russian soldiers or the Russian troll farm staff in St. Petersburg

[@flipw3605]

And telling the truth. Keep going.

[@clivedunning4317]

Wise words indeed this evening Mark. Oh ; what a mess this poor world is currently in !

[@yamaneko-ex8fy]

Absolutely right. Why should a victim compromise on anything? Victory and justice for Ukraine!

[@mrityunjaytripathi5588]

😂

[@timothymachen687]

You are as the Brits say ” spot on” 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@EconLessons]

Thank you Timothy.

[@jimbobhirstyeshuaslave5860]

Dear Mark, Thank you for your love of justice, love of God, love of humanity, live of right living, love of honesty, love of kindness, and love of Truth! I agree and stand with you about negotiations with Russia and forced removal of all Russian military forces from Ukraine before the negotiations even begin. The reparations should be a part of the negotiations either with gold, valuable commodities, and even possibly land. Russia is a failed state and must be forced into compliance until justice is truly met. Thank you for your dedication and your insight. Heroyam Slava. Slava Ukraini. Shalom from Baytown, Texas!!!

[@christopherellis2663]

In breach of the Budapest Memorandum. No wriggle room. 😡

[@peterwilliams2152]

A Memorandum ratified by no nation is not a treaty. It is a worthless piece of paper.

[@jeroenschoot-l5h]

Good point mark, thank you. Russia illegally occupied a big chunk of Ukraine. For serious talks you need at least some form of symmetry meaning indeed that Russia should withdraw from Ukraine before any negotiations. Starting talks from the current frontline means to irresponsibly reward aggression which the civilized world will come to deeply regret later.

[@EconLessons]

Yes thanks Jeroen.

[@theodorerigley8639]

I could not agree more.

[@peterwilliams2152]

@@theodorerigley8639 The Ukraine should give up all territory given to it by the USSR. There's not much of the Ukraine left.

[@mrityunjaytripathi5588]

What you are saying is typical British foolishness. You speak as if Russia is ready to listen to the countries like Britain! Britain has reduced itself to merely an American pet barking dog. You think Russia would even look at you?!

[@robertginsburg8113]

I thought burglars always get to sit down with the property owners and the cops to discuss which loot they get to keep before leaving the premises.

[@terjeoseberg990]

Of course…

[@michaelwharton1561]

Totaly agree, russia has nothing to offer in negotiations

[@EconLessons]

They are the aggressor and need to pay. It is like a counterfeiter offering counterfeit currency as payment.

[@mauelthomas7657]

Ukraine has lost the war. Russia will not negotiate with the clown Zalensky.

[@flipw3605]

@@mauelthomas7657 I agree with you on your point about Russia, but as to your other point, Ivan, you are way off.

[@mauelthomas7657]

@@flipw3605 What other point?

[@mikelynch-zeroviewz2507]

"You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth" - Winston Churchill

[@stevenelson25]

The tunnels are dark and dirty.

[@MattRios-jn1qx]

Thank you so very very much! And congratulations u're about the first one to get right down to the reality of what we should be actually looking at. The Real facts and Real life right and wrong. I've been trying to tell everyone how it really is for several years now but many of them are just refusing to face the facts

[@thomash3716]

I believe, no i know, that all the people over at "anna from ukraine" has the same standpoint... and there are so many more! Unfortunately not amongst politicians...

[@Delgwah]

Denial, the world is addicted to it!

[@rolandmartin3833]

I agree with you 200 % ! Best regards from Belgium.

[@commandertopgun]

Mark, I agree with you 1000%, Negotiations baseline should start with Russia GO HOME FROM ALL OF UKRAINE-FIRST, Before any talk starts with Russia.

[@EconLessons]

The message has to get out "Russia go home" instead of the narratives out there.

[@josev8376]

Not only to withdraw but Russia defeated!!!

[@tatyanaishchenko3456]

Россия идет домой,к польской границе😂​@@EconLessons

[@mrityunjaytripathi5588]

😂

[@mrityunjaytripathi5588]

😂 you speak as if Russia is dying to talk to you 😂.

[@pietrogalasso7306]

Monumental speech Mark greetings from Italy

[@SuperMagnum2011]

Excellent ,and very Interesting Mark. Thank you. 🇬🇧🇺🇦🇬🇧🇺🇦

[@EconLessons]

Thank you Super Magnum.

[@geoffgill5334]

Mark you are super and so right !!!

[@clockworker]

I wish our politicians had the morality to say exactly that. Thank you, Mark!

[@Delgwah]

Lol, I would have used a different word(words) than morality.Thank you Strength And Love And Accuracy.

[@clockworker]

@@Delgwah True, they all fit.

[@romanmendicant6864]

Hello, Mark from Ukraine, much love ! Thank you very much for all your support !

[@k66a865]

🇸🇪 agree with you Mark. Thanks from sweden

[@EconLessons]

Thank you and as always love Sweden.

[@henk3202]

Just keep economic sanctions as long until russian businessmen and people de mand democracy

[@Delgwah]

Keep sanctions on until they decommission the nukes as well.

[@djparn007]

Thank you, Mark. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦💙💛

[@EconLessons]

Thank you Dj

[@officialtereshchenko]

Absolutely! I agree with you!!!!

[@EconLessons]

Thank you friend and I like your last name.

[@ccompass]

Exactly.

[@willylenssen7853]

well said, hippy ! Willy from Luxemburg !

[@Mattjki]

Brilliant analysis!

[@scotthilderman6365]

Not many people mention the nuclear proliferation ramifications of russia coming away with something from its invasion. If that occurs, dozens of countries will be encouraged to develop or obtain nuclear weapons from others to protect themselves from the big players with them that see them just as little serfs in their sphere of influence.

[@EconLessons]

If Russia negotiated with Washington the world enters a new phase in history, a uranium phase.

[@milesnixon9554]

This should be obvious to all, but sadly isn't. All in authority seem to run away from this basic truth.

[@josev8376]

Russia will not go nuclear, China will prevent that! China is not yet on the same level as the other nuclear superpowers, within 5 years all will be very different.

[@susantunno3047]

Great argument for baseline.

[@johndon7384]

Thanks Mark your thoughts are always appreciated.

[@thomasault2636]

Great presentation, Sir! I appreciate your insights and presentation. Well done! Again! Razom do peremogy! Together ❤️ to Victory 🇺🇦

[@Ilene-forward]

Thanks

[@diegoyanesholtz212]

Crimea, Donbas, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya should be withdrawn first, Russia should pay reparation to Ukraine and Ukraine should join the NATO alliance so this never happens again, that is a fair deal for Ukraine. The rest is unfair.

[@EconLessons]

You are smart and wise and wish more of the world understood this. We are really talking about the future of humanity that is at stake.

[@ronlucius5034]

Agreed

[@josev8376]

That's exactly what should happen. EU must be prepared in case of Trump....

[@Delgwah]

@@EconLessonshere here, while the rest of the world was dealing with peace time stuff. Russia was raising a ruckus all over the world, sad thing is the complacency and denial bail was slowly covering our eyes and ears. Strength And Love And Accuracy to the whole world. Thank you again Mark for saying 👍🖖

[@PantalonesGrandes-px1io]

You know you are right when the first comment is from a stupid troll trying to change the narrative.

[@EconLessons]

Correct, in fact it was instantaneous which tells me it was not just any troll, I have been upgraded to bot trolls.

[@jonno27]

I like your point that the baseline for negotiations should be according to international law, UN resolutions , general morality, and what was previously agreed. It is incredible that those with power cannot make such a simple step.

[@josev8376]

Watch out for that felon at the other side of the Atlantic!

[@Ukie88]

If only the USA admin would think this way.

[@Delgwah]

They used too, they invented most of the policies, International Monetary Fund, USA lead the international community to create United Nations , The World Bank. These young kids,(Above the age of hmmm, well how old?) have maintained the respect and dignity for some time. The disrespect shown by these two over seventy leaders should if nothing else, put them in the brig. Ukraine 1992 borders were recognized by the International Security Council. Two of the big smelly cheeses are in contempt. And are going on a full on grill (Subject to scrutiny by their peers). Us tiny little people are the peers. Because we are tired of dragging ourselves through mud blood and guts for these untrustworthy Orange and Po0 face so called leaders of people. You’re truly A Old Canadian Logger.

[@annelucadou-wells3597]

If only they had something to think with 🇦🇺🇺🇦

[@anderscomstedt3064]

The baseline also include all other stupidity like Russian influence in Belarus and post WW2 presence in Königsberg.

[@EconLessons]

Thanks Anders

[@d.t.4523]

Good luck. Thank you, and keep working.

[@chrishvizdos8438]

Amen, Mark! However, my fear is the West will fail to show resolve. Lack of appropriate (and necessary!) baselines will only set the table for more failures to come.

[@joegrizzle9482]

Thank you Mark💙

[@johncromwell2529]

Mark you da man with the receipts🙏

[@NigelMiller-lf6nr]

Right on, Mark. Russia out of 1991 U.N. recognized Ukrainian territories. then talks can begin... (Russia out of Ukraine means the Ukrainian military controlling the ground in Crimea and Donbas, etc. and the millions of Z-Patriot civilian Russians imported to the occupied territories since 2014 are forcibly DEPORTED - back to where they came from). And yes, Russia must disintegrate into separate countries. The ethnic populations [long held prisoner by Muscovy] must self-determine

[@Delgwah]

Yes here here,

[@Delgwah]

One hundred percent, Russia out of all Ukraine, Pull all military weapons with strike force capability back 300 kilometres from all borders, even their own allies. And maintain that zone! Then we talk. And only then. Thank you Mark for saying this today.

[@MãoLê-g7b]

as always interesting to listen.

[@BlownBob]

Outa Ukraine!

[@SergioFlorente]

Ukraine needs to defend as long as the Russian army occupies Its territories. They will have to go home. Russia is breaking apart before our eyes.

[@roypapish2257]

Spot on Mark !

[@masterchainmale3827]

How can you negotiate with an entity which swore to protect something and then attacked it? There is no honor, so how can you believe they will abide by whatever is negotiated?

[@joeordinary209]

Totally agree with You, there is not a single reason why baseline would be anything else than the pre 2014 border, and russian troops to be moved behind that.

[@jerrymiller9039]

So your plan is keep the slaughter going?

[@sergiosaunier]

Good resolution, Mark! The tangerine tyrant and the soviet supreme orc should never be referred to by name.

[@milesnixon9554]

This should be the most obvious statement ever. That it isn't shows the craven and appease at all costs nature of our leaders.

[@kennypridemore5466]

Mark you really made sense today !! And still !!! Remain entertaining !!!! 😅😂❤😊

[@EconLessons]

Thank you Kenny, standing in front of that shop was kind of unrelated but I ran with it as it was funny, if you saw what it was.

[@PantalonesGrandes-px1io]

Trump should not waste the momentum. The momentum is Ukraine winning in 2025.

[@bjornstahle4652]

agreed.

[@ThomasGorman-r2h]

trump only cares about trump momentum

[@vladimirnovakovic3495]

Ruzzia only leaves when forced to leave.

[@thisishappening7273]

If only the media would ask him what’s right and just for free people and keep asking, but indeed they just ask stupid questions and let him ramble.

[@ArnoSchlick]

Putins last interview in a car showed that fear in his eyes & his unstable personality. Look that up, it is enlightening!

[@pierotorroni9197]

Thanks Mark for your realistic information.

[@martingarve]

Absolutely, spot on.

[@simonadams4857]

God bless, I like the mention of St. Thomas Aquinas a real thinker from the dark times in humanity. We could learn a thing or two from him in our unfortunate present era of violence, greed, and hubris. Thank you Mark.

[@elkesmith8564]

Excellent

[@jpjensenDK]

Thx for another informative video 👍

[@LivRilke]

I agree Mark!! Slava Ukraini!!

[@vonholdinghausen6886]

Hear hear!

[@j.p.ijsblok5304]

Realistic, if we talk after Russia has retreated from Ukraine, we will be talking to someone else then Putin. He will be not available. Permanently.

[@michaelbraithwaite162]

I really like the content and the star trek comparisons. Keep it up mark..great insight and appreciated as I have a degree in maths.

[@paulcrowe5298]

Hi Mark; Content … I would hope all people with a Good Moral Compass would have this view. What I find disturbing is; Why we are, where we are? Many “Privateers” are putting more than they can afford to NAFO, Project Konstantin and others; whilst drip feed support from major players prolongs death and destruction. Gloves should have been Off from day one! Slava Ukraini! (Jake Broe Team UK)

[@StPiter111]

The Russian answer is "No" . 😁😁😁😁

[@flipw3605]

Do you think that a rare minerals agreement between Ukraine and America is one way to stop Russia?

[@miguelmorales9667]

It appears that the guy in Washington doesn't have an issue with a strong country taking a smaller country by force... At least not if it benefits him personally. Thank you Mark for all your videos. I true supporter of democracy is something we need in this age of weak personalities.

[@josev8376]

The EU must show very very strong leadership!!!

[@jeffmumm7690]

Anyone who makes any agreement with Russia is a fool.

[@azmymidon39]

No way in hell the Russian will agree to withdraw before any negotiation .

[@ccompass]

No one is talking about them agreeing on anything.

[@theodorerigley8639]

Absolutely correct in every respect. Thank you.

[@searchpei470]

Cheers man!

[@rmharing]

Don't stop thinking about tomorrow❤

[@nas4apps]

Russian armed forces can leave right now! They are searching the countryside for extra mules to assist in the departure. Special bonuses are offered.

[@moinyp]

Are the best days of Global Order ahead of us, or behind us? Is the world going to be a more peaceful place going forward, or not? The outcome of the war in Ukraine will be the answer to all these questions!

[@peterbeer8657]

You're right, international borders had been set with Russia present when they were set. And Russia is already big enough, they have no reason to complain anyway. Russia has always been a little off, not at home in international law. Not that they don't understand or can't understand but just not wanting to. But negotiating that Russia would have to give up their weapons is going to be an incredibly difficult negotiation. That basically means demanding complete surrender and giving up sovereignty. I'm not sure if they wouldn't rather use their nucleair arsenal. And we all know that would be absolutely devastating. In the spirit of the Russian doctrine, demanding giving up that arsenal is like invading Russia and they would use them. So maybe the solution will be for Ukraine to have such weapons, although that does mean expansion of nucleair threats worldwide, which then again Russia is in progress of doing. Oh well, The situation is difficult and I'll support Ukraine since they are within their right.

[@dbsteckey]

I totally agree

[@fontfroide1]

I do hope the orange man gets angry with the nonsins talks of Putin.

[@EconLessons]

Czar does not talk, he tell falsehoods.

[@dogcrapper]

For the health of the human community baseline idea rocks

[@alexmcneily]

Another good one!

[@bizzarostormy]

Mark, I understand you are very well read in Economies, would you have examples from history of boycotts or events where citizens disrupt an economy ? It seems a relevant event in many countries today. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight.

[@alandevries7170]

Thanks, Mark.

[@nunodiniz2207]

Call them Elon Gump, Agent Orange and the Moscow Dude

[@terjeoseberg990]

The negotiations should be get out of Ukraine voluntarily, or by force, and either pay reparations voluntarily, or we take Russia’s natural resources and give them to Ukraine.

[@peterwilliams2152]

Good luck trying that, which of your cities would you like to be glassed first. Where do they find you ignorant wankers?

[@jeffmumm7690]

Agree with you totally, will never happen

[@reinhardsterlika4480]

Slava Ukraini Mark!

[@davidlindburg1921]

The Ukrainians are pushing back with their coordinated drone strike. Great analogy and analysis Mark.

[@eddieR-yy3sy]

100%.

[@karlosmatiko2241]

❤

[@LCTesla]

the baseline should be Russia paying reparations for the gruesome damage it's done to the sovereign nation of Ukraine AND prosecution of Putin and his direct underlings for egregious harm done to his own people domestically

[@michaelbraithwaite162]

What I do not get ( nor does Russia clearly) is the meaning of negotiation. How can the sit there after doing all the damage and creating this whole situation and then saying all our conditions need to be met before we start talking....erm....negotiation means movement on both sides re their conditions!!!

[@davepereira7391]

Don't like being sold something not wanted/needed. A baseline? Yes of course. Thnx Mark

[@Angel2043-w3s]

Thanks for your insight; it gives me a better idea of what is going on. I believe not speaking the name of you-know-who, makes a statement to the universe.

[@Paraiso001]

You are becoming more prolific Mark. I appreciate the angles of your arguments and how you explain them. It should be Ukraine is in NATO and you go back to 1991 borders.

[@peteduch2151]

You can hope but russia is not leaving empty handed

[@thevisiblehand5215]

It makes sense if you imagine that the man in D.C. is strongly biased in favor of Russia.

[@stevenelson25]

You are not my friend, you are my brother my friend.

[@Crazmuss]

Yo at 5:32 you said you are good at logical thinking like chess, so I just wonder what is your chess ranking?

[@JimmyJohnsss]

💯

[@henrirotthier5710]

Always refreshing to hear you give your thoughts 👍👏

[@EconLessons]

Thank you Henri

[@JacquesLatour-ef8ix]

Mark, what hapened to winter in Poland ? Pools open 😊😅 Over here we still have winter 🇨🇦

[@EconLessons]

I know, I am outside and thinking I came from Florida to Poland and Florida got snow this year and I am swimming in Poland. Love Canada by the way.

[@5ufo]

The word has already learned from the history of russian wars, and Crimea 2014, Donbass 2014 - 2022, 2022. They just choose if they care or not