🔗 Share this article

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that a framework for a peace deal negotiated with US officials could be completed in a matter of days. Afterward, U.S. representatives will present the documentation to the Russian leadership.

Negotiations in Berlin Produce Significant Progress, With Critical Obstacles Persist

After two days of discussions in Berlin, US officials reported on Monday that around “90%” of the contentious issues between Moscow and Kyiv had been settled. Although the outlook appears positive, an actual conclusion to the war remains uncertain, especially given Russia's absence from the ongoing discussions.

Early Tuesday morning, Zelenskyy noted that the American legislature was anticipated to consider security guarantees and that a complete package of agreements could be prepared “today or tomorrow.” He added that, the United States would hold consultations with Moscow, potentially followed by summit-level talks as soon as this coming weekend.

Security Guarantees and International Support

“We are counting on five documents. Several concern security guarantees: legally binding, that is, approved and endorsed by the US Congress,” Zelenskyy commented to journalists. He stated that these assurances would “reflect the collective defense clause” of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Earlier, American representatives declined to give precise information regarding the likely contents of the defense package or the consequences if Russia attempted to seize more land following an agreement. Officials did confirm that the U.S. does not intend to deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Heads of state from the UK, France, Germany and eight other European nations said in a unified declaration that forces belonging to a “coalition of the willing” could “assist in the rebuilding of Ukraine’s forces, in protecting Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting safer seas, potentially by operating inside Ukraine.”

They stopped short, however, of suggesting these actions would serve as assurances matching Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is little sign that Moscow is near agreeing to the type of package under discussion between Washington and Kyiv.

Moscow's Stance and Land Issue

The following day, the Kremlin said it had not seen the specifics of the proposals on security guarantees. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, asserted that Russia would never accept troops from Nato countries operating in Ukraine “no matter what.”

The main sticking point between the Ukrainian team and their American counterparts continues to be the issue of land. One proposal centers on Ukraine relinquishing the areas of the Donbas region it still holds, while the Ukrainian side wants to maintain the current front lines. “We are discussing the land dispute. You know, it is one of the key issues. Currently, there is no consensus on it yet,” Zelenskyy said after the Berlin talks.

The US negotiation team, headed by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has suggested a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukraine pull back, but Russian troops would not advance, with the resulting zone established as “an open economic area.” Russia has indicated it could use police and national guard formations instead of the military in such an area, implying it would still seek to maintain authority there.

“I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ is not under the control of Moscow. Neither de jure nor de facto do we accept Donbas – its temporarily occupied part – as belonging to Russia. Absolutely,” said Zelenskyy.

Path Forward and Possible Scenarios

The way ahead is uncertain how Moscow and Kyiv will resolve the territorial issue. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution like a special economic area could be theoretically possible if the citizens of Ukraine voted for it in a referendum. The critical stumbling block is expected to arise when the plans are put to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has shown no indication he is willing to compromise on his military objectives.

“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will end up with exactly what we are experiencing on our plane right now – instability,” said the president, recording the comments as his aircraft took off from Berlin.

“I am confident the United States will apply sanctions pressure and supply additional armaments if they reject the deal. I think, that would be a reasonable expectation from Ukraine to the Americans,” he concluded.