🔗 Share this article

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that proposals for a ceasefire agreement negotiated with US officials are poised to be completed in a matter of days. Following this, U.S. representatives are expected to present the terms to the Kremlin.

Berlin Talks Yield Major Headway, But Key Hurdles Remain

Following extensive talks in Berlin, American negotiators indicated on Monday that around “90%” of the disputed points between Russia and Ukraine had been resolved. Although the outlook appears positive, the path to ending the war is not guaranteed, especially given the Russian lack of participation from the ongoing discussions.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Zelenskyy noted that the US Congress was anticipated to vote on security guarantees and that a complete package of agreements could be prepared “imminently.” He added that, the U.S. would engage in discussions with Russian representatives, potentially followed by summit-level talks possibly this weekend.

Security Guarantees and Allied Backing

“The plan involves five documents. Several concern security guarantees: formally ratified, that is, approved and endorsed by the United States Congress,” Zelenskyy remarked to the press. He clarified that these assurances would “mirror article 5” of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Earlier, US officials did not provide precise information regarding the probable makeup of the security package or what would happen if Moscow sought to capture additional territory following an agreement. They did, however, confirm that the United States does not intend to deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Heads of state from the UK, France, Germany and several additional European countries issued a joint statement that troops from a “coalition of the willing” could “assist in the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in protecting Ukraine’s skies, and in ensuring maritime security, including through conducting operations within its territory.”

However, they did not proposing these measures would constitute assurances matching Nato’s article 5. Furthermore, there is scant indication that Moscow is anywhere close to agreeing to the kind of arrangement being negotiated between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Kremlin Response and Land Issue

On Tuesday, the Russian government stated it had not received the details of the proposals on security guarantees. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergey Ryabkov, asserted that the country would never accept troops from NATO member states being stationed in Ukrainian territory “under any circumstances.”

The main sticking point between the Ukrainian negotiators and US negotiators continues to be the territorial question. One proposal centers on Ukraine relinquishing the areas of the Donbas it currently controls, while Ukraine prefers to maintain the current front lines. “Talks continue on the land dispute. As is known, it is a central problem. At this point, 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 middle-ground proposal. This framework would see Ukraine pull back, but Russian troops would not move forward, with the demilitarised area becoming “a free economic zone.” Russia has indicated it could use internal security units instead of the military in such an area, suggesting it would still seek to control the territory.

“Let me reiterate: a ‘special economic zone’ does not mean under the control of Russia. Not legally or in practice do we accept Donbas – its temporarily occupied part – as belonging to Russia. Categorically,” said President Zelenskyy.

Next Steps and Potential Outcomes

It is not clear how the two sides will resolve the land question. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution such as a special economic area might be conceivable if the Ukrainian people approved it in a referendum. The critical stumbling block is likely to be when the plans are put to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has shown no indication he is willing to compromise on his war aims.

“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face exactly what we are encountering on our flight right now – turbulence,” said the president, making the statement as his aircraft departed from Berlin.

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