Peace Plans Ready for Presented to Russia Within Days, Says Ukraine's President
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that proposals for a peace deal developed with US officials are poised to be finalised in a matter of days. Afterward, American envoys will submit the terms to the Russian leadership.
Negotiations in Berlin Produce Major Headway, With Critical Obstacles Persist
After two days of discussions in Berlin, American negotiators indicated 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 conflict is not guaranteed, particularly because the Russian lack of participation from the current dialogue.
Early Tuesday morning, Zelenskyy noted that the American legislature was anticipated to vote on defense assurances and that a complete package of documents could be prepared “today or tomorrow.” Subsequently, the United States would hold consultations with Russian representatives, leading to summit-level talks possibly this weekend.
Defense Assurances and International Support
“The plan involves five documents. Several concern binding security pledges: formally ratified, that is, approved and endorsed by the United States Congress,” the president remarked to the press. He clarified that these assurances would “mirror article 5” of the Nato alliance.
On Monday, American representatives declined to give specific details regarding the likely contents of the security package or the consequences if Moscow attempted to seize additional territory following an agreement. Officials did confirm that the United States 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 troops from a “allied coalition” could “help with the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in protecting Ukrainian airspace, and in supporting safer seas, including through conducting operations within Ukraine.”
They stopped short, however, of suggesting these actions would constitute assurances matching Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is little sign that Russia is anywhere close to agreeing to the kind of arrangement under discussion between the U.S. and Ukraine.
Moscow's Stance and Land Issue
On Tuesday, the Russian government said it had not seen the details of the proposals on security assurances. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, declared that the country would not agree to forces of NATO member states operating in Ukraine “no matter what.”
The main sticking point between the Ukrainian team and US negotiators remains the territorial question. A key demand centers on Kyiv relinquishing the areas of the Donbas it currently controls, while the Ukrainian side wants to maintain the current front lines. “We are discussing the land dispute. You know, it is a central problem. At this point, there is no agreement on it yet,” the president remarked following the Berlin discussions.
The US negotiation team, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has proposed a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukraine pull back, but Russia would not advance, with the resulting zone established as “a free economic zone.” Moscow has suggested it could use internal security units instead of the army in such an area, implying it would still seek to control the territory.
“Let me reiterate: a ‘special economic zone’ is not controlled by Moscow. Not legally or in practice do we accept Donbas – its currently occupied areas – as Russian. Categorically,” stated Zelenskyy.
Next Steps and Potential Outcomes
The way ahead is uncertain how Moscow and Kyiv will resolve the land question. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a negotiated arrangement such as a free economic zone could be theoretically possible if the Ukrainian people voted for it in a national vote. The major impediment is likely to be when the proposals are put to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has given no sign he is prepared to concede on his military objectives.
“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face precisely the situation we are experiencing on our plane right now – turbulence,” commented the president, making the statement after his plane took off from Berlin.
“I am confident the United States will apply sanctions pressure and provide us with additional armaments if they reject the deal. I think, that would be a fair request from us to the United States,” he added.