During the past years, we witnessed several occasions where peace agreements were mentioned: the war between Ukraine and Russia, the conflict in Gaza, and the tensions between Iran and USA.
When these stories reach us, the images we see are usually of officials shaking hands, arguing over conditions, or staging dramatic displays of power. What we rarely see is the reality beneath those headlines: civilians whose lives are quietly, profoundly reshaped by decisions made far from their homes.
A huge, fundamental part for a peace agreement to happen are negotiations, an essential starting point; they can take months, if not years, and they represent a moment when opposite sides of a conflict discuss their interests and their conditions.
Behind Peace Agreements: Procedures and More
There are several stages that lead to a peace agreement. These stages can change based on the conflict, the geopolitical situation, and the response from the public.
The first stage begins with pre-talks, an informal phase where mediators test whether parties are even willing to sit at the same table. Pre-talks can happen in public or secretly between government representatives. This stage is fundamental to understanding if both parties are committed to finding a solution that leads to peace, and to start tackling the tens of aspects that are included in peace talks. Pre-talks are often the first and last part of peace talks, as both parties do not settle, and negotiations are impossible to happen (see paragraph 2).
Only after this fragile groundwork do actors move into formal negotiations, where ceasefires, political reforms, security arrangements, and justice mechanisms are discussed. Negotiations can happen in several ways: multilateral or bilateral discussions, unofficial interactions, and talks through an external mediator.
Once an agreement is signed, the most difficult phase begins implementation. This is where institutions must be rebuilt, ex‑combatants reintegrated, and communities supported through reconciliation. Sometimes this process happens slowly, with baby steps, to make sure that the parties are able to implement what was predicted by the agreement; for example, one of the first steps is usually towards civilians’ well-being, so that the initial implementation is related to human rights,
Many agreements fail not because they were poorly drafted, but because implementation requires enormous political will, resources, and time, often decades. Moreover, it is fundamental that both parties respect every part of the agreement: once this does not happen, trust is broken and issues start.
A Double-edged Sword: humanitarian consequences in Ukraine
When rumors about negotiations around a possible peace agreement start, there are huge consequences for the humanitarian crisis that affects the area, such as cuts in fundings and in donations, less urgency to tackle the harsh situation and the general thought that an end is really close.
This is the case of Ukraine, where a long war started 5 years in 2021, affecting the country in extensive ways.
From the beginning of the conflict, 5 rounds of negotiations happened, never ending with an agreement. The last round happened in February 2026, in Geneva, with the support of US representatives, such as US secretary of state, Marco Rubio. During these last negotiations, most of the talks revolved around land, and the presence of external troops. According to experts, the territorial claims of both parties make it highly unlikely to reach an agreement, fearing, once again, an escalation of hostilities.
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is still profoundly severe after 5 years, because civilians and infrastructure are still targeted and the population still experiences displacement. Of course, Ukrainians are split when they express their opinions on a possible peace agreement with Russia: resilient and brave, most of them stated that they would not accept a deal where land is given up, as they well remember history and have a hard time believing Putin would stop there. In addition to that, they stated that it would be disrespectful towards all the casualties and militaries who lost their lives trying to protect their country.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the real measure of any peace agreement is not the text signed in a conference room, but the lives of civilians who continue to carry the weight of conflict long after the headlines fade. Peace becomes meaningful only when people feel safe, and when they regain access to healthcare, livelihoods, and dignity. This requires more than political talks: it demands sustained investment in community recovery, reliable security guarantees, and long‑term support.
Peace is a long-term process, acting on several aspects of one’s life at the same time, in different ways. It must be protected, funded, and nurtured every day, with smart investments and effective implementation.
If we truly want peace to endure, we must keep in mind that without justice, no lasting peace exists.
At MOAS, we are deeply committed to fostering those afflicted by humanitarian crises. This is why we strongly believe that every life matters and we profoundly hope that peace will be experienced everywhere by everyone.
Your support can make a difference. Please consider donating to help us continue our missions and save lives. Visit www.moas.eu/donate to contribute. For more updates on our work, follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, or contact us at [email protected].
Disclaimer: “Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.”