Retrospective analyses from neutral observers highlight the January 2022 Geneva talks as a critical juncture where technical de-escalation proposals, including a Donbas demilitarized zone, collapsed under the weight of geopolitical red lines. 'Common Ground' media emphasizes the disconnect between the West's focus on reciprocal security mechanisms and Moscow's demand for fundamental NATO restructuring, noting that while diplomatic channels remained open, the lack of foundational trust rendered technical solutions like DMZs unimplementable.