Diplomatic Plans Set to be Delivered to Russia Within Days, Says Zelenskyy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that a framework for a ceasefire agreement negotiated with American diplomats could be finalised in a matter of days. Afterward, U.S. representatives are expected to submit the terms to the Kremlin.
Negotiations in Berlin Produce Major Headway, But Key Hurdles Persist
Following extensive talks in Berlin, US officials reported on Monday that around “90%” of the contentious issues between Russia and Ukraine had been resolved. Although the outlook appears positive, the path to ending the war is not guaranteed, particularly because Russia's lack of participation from the current dialogue.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Zelenskyy noted that the US Congress is expected to consider defense assurances and that a complete package of agreements might be ready “imminently.” He added that, the United States would engage in discussions with Moscow, potentially followed by summit-level talks possibly this coming weekend.
Security Guarantees and Allied Backing
“We are counting on five key agreements. Several concern binding security pledges: formally ratified, that is, approved and endorsed by the US Congress,” the president remarked to the press. He stated that these assurances would “mirror the collective defense clause” of the Nato alliance.
Earlier, US officials did not provide specific details regarding the likely contents of the defense package or the consequences if Moscow sought to capture more land following an agreement. Officials did confirm that the U.S. has no plans to place boots on the ground in Ukraine.
Heads of state from the UK, France, Germany and eight other European countries said in a unified declaration that troops from a “coalition of the willing” could “assist in the regeneration of Ukrainian military capabilities, in protecting Ukrainian airspace, and in supporting safer seas, including through conducting operations within its territory.”
However, they did not suggesting these actions would serve as guarantees equivalent to Nato’s article 5. Furthermore, there is little sign that Russia is near accepting the type of package under discussion between Washington and Kyiv.
Kremlin Response and Territorial Dispute
On Tuesday, the Russian government stated it had not seen the details of the plans for security guarantees. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergey Ryabkov, asserted that Russia would not agree to forces of NATO member states operating in Ukraine “under any circumstances.”
The main sticking point between the Ukrainian negotiators and their American counterparts continues to be the territorial question. A key demand involves Ukraine ceding the parts of the Donbas region it still holds, while Ukraine wants to freeze the lines. “Talks continue on the territorial issue. As is known, it is a central problem. Currently, there is no agreement on it yet,” the president said after the Berlin talks.
The US negotiation team, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has suggested a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukraine withdraw, but Russia would not advance, with the demilitarised area established as “a free economic zone.” Russia has suggested it could use police and national guard units instead of the military in such an area, suggesting it would still expect to control the territory.
“I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ is not under the control of Russia. Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognise Donbas – its temporarily occupied part – as belonging to Russia. Categorically,” said President Zelenskyy.
Next Steps and Possible Scenarios
It is not clear how the two sides will resolve the land question. The Ukrainian leader has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution like a special economic area could be theoretically possible if the citizens of Ukraine approved it in a referendum. The major impediment is expected to arise when the plans are put to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has given no sign he is willing to compromise on his military objectives.
“If Putin rejects everything, we will end up with exactly what we are encountering on our plane right now – turbulence,” said the president, recording the comments as his aircraft departed from Berlin.
“I am confident the United States will increase sanction pressure and supply additional armaments if he rejects everything. I think, that would be a reasonable expectation from us to the United States,” he concluded.
