🔗 Share this article

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. Following this, U.S. representatives are expected to submit the terms to the Russian leadership.

Berlin Talks Yield Significant Progress, But Key Hurdles Persist

Following extensive talks in Berlin, US officials indicated on Monday that around “90%” of the contentious issues between Moscow and Kyiv had been resolved. Despite this optimistic assessment, the path to ending the conflict is not guaranteed, especially given Russia's lack of participation from the ongoing discussions.

Early Tuesday morning, the Ukrainian president noted that the US Congress was anticipated to consider defense assurances and that a finalised set of agreements could be prepared “imminently.” He added that, the U.S. would hold consultations with Moscow, leading to summit-level talks as soon as this coming weekend.

Defense Assurances and Allied Backing

“The plan involves five key agreements. Several concern binding security pledges: formally ratified, that is, voted on and endorsed by the US Congress,” the president commented to the press. He stated that these assurances would “mirror article 5” of the Nato alliance.

On Monday, American representatives did not provide specific details regarding the likely contents of the security package or what would happen if Moscow sought to capture 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.

Heads of state from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany and eight other European nations issued a joint statement that troops from a “allied coalition” could “assist in the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in protecting Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting maritime security, potentially by conducting operations within its territory.”

However, they did not suggesting these actions would serve as guarantees equivalent to Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is scant indication that Moscow is near agreeing to the kind of arrangement being negotiated between Washington and Kyiv.

Moscow's Stance and Territorial Dispute

On Tuesday, the Kremlin stated it had not received the details of the plans for security assurances. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, asserted that the country would never accept troops from NATO member states operating in Ukrainian territory “under any circumstances.”

The main sticking point between the Ukrainian negotiators and US negotiators continues to be the issue of land. One proposal involves Kyiv ceding the parts of the Donbas it still holds, while the Ukrainian side prefers to maintain the current front lines. “We are discussing the land dispute. 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 proposed a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukraine withdraw, but Russian troops would not move forward, with the demilitarised area established as “a free economic zone.” Moscow has indicated it could use internal security units rather than the military in such an area, implying it would still seek to control the territory.

“Let me reiterate: a ‘special economic zone’ is not under the control of Moscow. Not legally or in practice do we accept Donbas – its currently occupied areas – as Russian. Categorically,” said Zelenskyy.

Path Forward and Potential Outcomes

The way ahead is uncertain how the two sides will resolve the territorial issue. The Ukrainian leader has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution such as a free economic zone could be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine approved it in a national vote. The critical stumbling block is likely to be when the plans are presented to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has given no sign he is prepared to concede on his military objectives.

“If Putin rejects everything, we will face exactly what we are encountering on our flight right now – turbulence,” commented Zelenskyy, recording the comments as his aircraft departed from Berlin.

“I believe the United States will increase sanction pressure and supply additional armaments if he rejects everything. I think, that would be a fair request from us to the Americans,” he added.