Diplomatic Proposals Set to be Presented to Moscow In the Coming Days, Says Ukraine's President
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that a framework for a ceasefire agreement negotiated with US officials could be completed in a matter of days. Following this, American envoys will present the documentation to the Russian leadership.
Negotiations in Berlin Produce Major Headway, With Critical Obstacles Remain
Following extensive talks in Berlin, US officials reported on Monday that approximately “90%” of the disputed points between Moscow and Kyiv had been resolved. Despite this optimistic assessment, an actual conclusion to the conflict remains uncertain, especially given Russia's lack of participation from the current dialogue.
Early Tuesday morning, the Ukrainian president noted that the American legislature is expected to vote on defense assurances and that a complete package of documents could be prepared “imminently.” He added that, the U.S. would hold consultations with Russian representatives, potentially followed by summit-level talks possibly this coming weekend.
Security Guarantees and International Support
“The plan involves five key agreements. Some of them pertain to security guarantees: legally binding, that is, approved and approved by the United States Congress,” Zelenskyy remarked to journalists. He stated that these guarantees would “reflect article 5” of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
On Monday, US officials did not provide precise information regarding the probable makeup of the defense package or what would happen if Moscow attempted to seize more land following an agreement. They did, however, confirm that the United States has no plans to deploy troops on the ground in the country.
Heads of state from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany and several additional European countries issued a joint statement that troops from a “allied coalition” could “help with the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in securing Ukrainian airspace, and in supporting maritime security, potentially by operating inside Ukraine.”
However, they did not proposing these actions would constitute assurances matching Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is little sign that Russia is near accepting the type of package being negotiated between Washington and Kyiv.
Moscow's Stance and Land Issue
The following day, the Russian government stated it had not received the details of the plans for security guarantees. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, declared that the country would not agree to forces of Nato countries being stationed in Ukrainian territory “under any circumstances.”
The main sticking point between the Ukrainian negotiators and US negotiators remains the issue of land. One proposal involves Kyiv ceding the areas of the Donbas it still holds, while Ukraine wants to maintain the current front lines. “Talks continue on the land dispute. As is known, it is a central problem. Currently, there is no agreement on it yet,” Zelenskyy said following the Berlin discussions.
The US negotiation team, headed by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has proposed a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukrainian forces withdraw, but Russia would not advance, with the demilitarised area established as “an open economic area.” Moscow has indicated it could use police and national guard formations rather than the army in such an area, implying it would still expect to maintain authority there.
“Let me reiterate: a ‘special economic zone’ does not mean controlled by Moscow. Neither de jure nor de facto do we accept Donbas – its temporarily occupied part – as belonging to Russia. Categorically,” said President Zelenskyy.
Next Steps and Possible Scenarios
The way ahead is uncertain how Moscow and Kyiv will resolve the land question. The Ukrainian leader has previously suggested that a negotiated arrangement such as a special economic area could be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine approved it in a national vote. The critical stumbling block is expected to arise when the proposals are put to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has given no sign he is prepared to concede on his war aims.
“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face precisely the situation we are experiencing on our plane right now – turbulence,” said the president, making the statement as his aircraft departed from Berlin.
“I am confident the United States will apply sanctions pressure and provide us with more weapons if they reject the deal. I think, that would be a fair request from us to the United States,” he concluded.
