Diplomatic Plans Ready for Delivered to Russia Within Days, States Ukraine's President

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that a framework for a peace deal developed with US officials could be completed in a matter of days. Afterward, American envoys are expected to present the documentation to the Kremlin.

Negotiations in Berlin Produce Significant Progress, With Critical Obstacles Persist

Following extensive talks in Berlin, US officials reported on Monday that around “90%” of the disputed points between Russia and Ukraine had been settled. Although the outlook appears positive, the path to ending the conflict remains uncertain, particularly because Russia's absence from the ongoing discussions.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Ukrainian president noted that the US Congress was anticipated to consider defense assurances and that a finalised set of agreements could be prepared “today or tomorrow.” Subsequently, the United States would engage in discussions with Russian representatives, leading to high-level meetings as soon as this coming weekend.

Security Guarantees and Allied Backing

“We are counting on five documents. Several concern security guarantees: legally binding, that is, approved and approved by the United States Congress,” the president remarked to journalists. He clarified that these guarantees would “reflect article 5” of the Nato alliance.

Earlier, US officials declined to give specific details regarding the probable makeup of the security package or what would happen if Russia sought to capture more land after a peace deal. They did, however, confirm that the United States does not intend to place boots on the ground in Ukraine.

Heads of state from the UK, France, Germany and eight other European nations said in a unified declaration that troops from a “allied coalition” could “help with the regeneration of Ukrainian military capabilities, in securing Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting maritime security, including through operating inside its territory.”

However, they did not proposing these actions would serve as assurances equivalent to Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is scant indication that Russia is anywhere close to agreeing to the type of package being negotiated between Washington and Kyiv.

Kremlin Response and Land Issue

The following day, the Kremlin said it had not seen the details of the proposals on security assurances. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergey Ryabkov, asserted that Russia would not agree to forces of Nato countries operating in Ukrainian territory “no matter what.”

The primary obstacle between the Ukrainian negotiators and their American counterparts remains the issue of land. One proposal centers on Kyiv ceding the parts of the Donbas it currently controls, while Ukraine prefers to freeze the lines. “Talks continue on the land dispute. As is known, it is one of the key issues. At this point, there is no consensus on it yet,” the president said following the Berlin discussions.

The US negotiation team, headed by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has proposed a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukraine withdraw, but Russian troops would not advance, with the demilitarised area established as “an open economic area.” Russia has indicated it could use internal security units rather than the army in such an area, implying it would still seek to maintain authority there.

“Let me reiterate: a ‘free economic zone’ is not controlled by Russia. Neither de jure nor de facto do we accept the Donbas region – its currently occupied areas – as Russian. Absolutely,” stated Zelenskyy.

Path Forward and Potential Outcomes

It is not clear how the two sides will proceed on the land question. Zelenskyy has previously suggested that a negotiated arrangement such as a free economic zone could be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine voted for it in a national vote. The major impediment is expected to arise when the proposals are put to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, 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 experiencing on our flight right now – instability,” said 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 more weapons if he rejects everything. I think, that would be a reasonable expectation from Ukraine to the United States,” he added.