Peace Plans Set to be Presented to Moscow Within Days, Says Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that proposals for a peace deal 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 Kremlin.
Negotiations in Berlin Produce Significant Progress, But Key Hurdles Remain
After two days of discussions in Berlin, US officials indicated on Monday that around “90%” of the contentious issues between Russia and Ukraine had been settled. Despite this optimistic assessment, the path to ending the conflict remains uncertain, particularly because Russia's lack of participation from the ongoing discussions.
Early Tuesday morning, Zelenskyy noted that the US Congress was anticipated to consider defense assurances and that a complete package of agreements could be prepared “imminently.” Subsequently, the United States would hold consultations with Moscow, potentially followed by summit-level talks possibly this weekend.
Security Guarantees and International Support
“We are counting on five documents. Some of them pertain to security guarantees: legally binding, that is, voted on and approved by the US Congress,” the president commented to journalists. He stated that these guarantees would “mirror article 5” of the Nato alliance.
On Monday, US officials declined to give precise information regarding the likely contents of the defense package or the consequences if Russia attempted to seize more land after a peace deal. Officials did confirm that the U.S. has no plans to place boots on the ground in the country.
Leaders from the UK, France, Germany and eight other European nations issued a joint statement that forces belonging to a “allied coalition” could “help with the rebuilding of Ukraine’s forces, in protecting Ukrainian airspace, and in ensuring safer seas, including through operating inside its territory.”
They stopped short, however, of proposing 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 Washington and Kyiv.
Moscow's Stance and Land Issue
On Tuesday, the Kremlin stated it had not received the details of the proposals on security guarantees. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergey Ryabkov, declared that the country would not agree to forces of Nato countries being stationed in Ukrainian territory “no matter what.”
The main sticking point between the Ukrainian negotiators and their American counterparts continues to be the territorial question. A key demand involves Kyiv relinquishing the parts of the Donbas region it still holds, while Ukraine prefers to freeze the lines. “Talks continue on the land dispute. As is known, it is one of the key issues. Currently, there is no consensus on it yet,” Zelenskyy remarked after the Berlin talks.
American mediators, headed by two senior advisors, has proposed a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukraine withdraw, but Russia would not move forward, with the resulting zone established as “an open economic area.” Russia has indicated it could use internal security formations instead of the army in such an area, suggesting it would still expect to control the territory.
“Let me reiterate: a ‘free economic zone’ does not mean controlled by Moscow. Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognise the Donbas region – its currently occupied areas – as Russian. Absolutely,” said President Zelenskyy.
Path Forward and Possible Scenarios
It is not clear how the two sides will proceed on the land question. Zelenskyy has previously suggested that a negotiated arrangement such as a special economic area could be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine voted for it in a national vote. The critical stumbling block is expected to arise when the plans are presented to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has shown no indication he is willing to compromise on his military objectives.
“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face exactly what we are encountering on our flight right now – turbulence,” commented the president, recording the comments as his aircraft took off from Berlin.
“I believe the United States will apply sanctions pressure and supply more weapons if they reject the deal. In my view, that would be a fair request from us to the Americans,” he concluded.
