Peace Plans Ready for Presented to Russia Within Days, Says Ukraine's President
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that proposals for a ceasefire agreement negotiated with American diplomats are poised to be completed in a matter of days. Afterward, U.S. representatives are expected to submit the documentation to the Russian leadership.
Berlin Talks Yield Significant Progress, With Critical Obstacles Persist
Following extensive talks in Berlin, American negotiators reported on Monday that around “90%” of the contentious issues between Moscow and Kyiv had been resolved. Despite this optimistic assessment, an actual conclusion to the war remains uncertain, especially given Russia's lack of participation from the current dialogue.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Zelenskyy noted that the US Congress was anticipated to vote on defense assurances and that a complete package of agreements might be ready “today or tomorrow.” He added that, the United States would engage in discussions with Russian representatives, leading to summit-level talks possibly this weekend.
Security Guarantees and International Support
“We are counting on five documents. Several pertain to security guarantees: legally binding, that is, voted on and approved by the United States Congress,” the president commented to the press. He clarified that these assurances would “mirror article 5” of the Nato alliance.
On Monday, US officials declined to give specific details regarding the likely contents of the defense package or what would happen if Moscow sought to capture additional territory after a peace deal. They did, however, confirm that the U.S. does not intend to place boots on the ground in the country.
Leaders from the UK, France, Germany and eight other European nations said in a unified declaration that troops from a “allied coalition” could “assist in the rebuilding of Ukraine’s forces, in securing Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting maritime security, potentially by conducting operations within Ukraine.”
However, they did not suggesting these actions would constitute assurances matching Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is scant indication that Moscow is near accepting the type of package under discussion between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Kremlin Response and Land Issue
On Tuesday, the Kremlin said it had not received the details of the plans for security guarantees. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, declared that Russia would never accept 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. A key demand centers on Kyiv relinquishing the parts of the Donbas it currently controls, while the Ukrainian side prefers to freeze the lines. “Talks continue on the land dispute. You know, it is a central problem. Currently, there is no agreement on it yet,” Zelenskyy said following the Berlin discussions.
The US negotiation team, led by two senior advisors, has suggested a middle-ground proposal. Under this plan would see Ukrainian forces withdraw, but Russia would not move forward, with the demilitarised area established as “a free economic zone.” Moscow has indicated it could use internal security units instead of the army in such an area, suggesting it would still expect to maintain authority there.
“Let me reiterate: a ‘special economic zone’ does not mean under the control of Moscow. Neither de jure nor de facto do we accept Donbas – its temporarily occupied part – as Russian. Categorically,” said President Zelenskyy.
Next Steps and Possible Scenarios
The way ahead is uncertain how Moscow and Kyiv will proceed on the territorial issue. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution such as a special economic area could be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine voted for it in a referendum. The major impediment is likely to be when the proposals are put to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has shown no indication he is prepared to concede on his war aims.
“If Putin rejects everything, we will face precisely the situation we are experiencing on our plane right now – turbulence,” commented Zelenskyy, making the statement after his plane departed from Berlin.
“I am confident the United States will increase sanction pressure and supply additional armaments if he rejects everything. In my view, that would be a reasonable expectation from us to the United States,” he concluded.
