Diplomatic Proposals Set to be Delivered to Russia Within Days, States Ukraine's President

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that a framework for a ceasefire agreement developed with US officials are poised to be finalised in a matter of days. Afterward, American envoys will submit the terms to the Russian leadership.

Negotiations in Berlin Produce Major Headway, With Critical Obstacles Remain

Following extensive talks in Berlin, US officials reported on Monday that around “90%” of the contentious issues between Russia and Ukraine had been settled. Despite this optimistic assessment, an actual conclusion to the conflict is not guaranteed, particularly because Russia's lack of participation from the ongoing discussions.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Zelenskyy said that the US Congress was anticipated to vote on defense assurances and that a complete package of documents might be ready “imminently.” He added that, the United States would hold consultations with Moscow, leading to high-level meetings as soon as this coming weekend.

Security Guarantees and Allied Backing

“We are counting on five documents. Some of them pertain to security guarantees: legally binding, that is, approved and endorsed by the US Congress,” Zelenskyy commented to journalists. He clarified that these assurances would “mirror the collective defense clause” of the Nato alliance.

On Monday, US officials declined to give precise information regarding the likely contents of the security package or what would happen if Russia attempted to seize more land after a peace deal. They did, however, 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 nations issued a joint statement that troops from a “allied coalition” could “assist in the rebuilding of Ukraine’s forces, in securing Ukraine’s skies, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside Ukraine.”

They stopped short, however, of suggesting these actions would constitute assurances equivalent to Nato’s article 5. Furthermore, there is scant indication that Russia is near accepting the kind of arrangement being negotiated between Washington and Kyiv.

Moscow's Stance and Territorial Dispute

The following day, the Kremlin stated it had not seen the specifics of the plans for security assurances. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, declared that Russia would not agree to troops from Nato countries being stationed in Ukrainian territory “no matter what.”

The primary obstacle between the Ukrainian team and their American counterparts remains the territorial question. A key demand centers on Ukraine relinquishing the areas of the Donbas region it currently controls, while Ukraine 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 remarked after the Berlin talks.

The US negotiation team, led by two senior advisors, has proposed a middle-ground proposal. This framework would see Ukrainian forces withdraw, but Russian troops would not move forward, with the resulting zone established as “a free economic zone.” Moscow has indicated it could use police and national guard formations rather than the army in such an area, suggesting it would still expect to maintain authority there.

“I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ is not controlled by Moscow. Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognise the Donbas region – its temporarily occupied part – as belonging to Russia. Absolutely,” stated Zelenskyy.

Next Steps and Possible Scenarios

It is not clear how the two sides will proceed on the territorial issue. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution like a special economic area might be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine voted for it in a referendum. The major impediment is likely to be when the plans are put to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has given no sign he is prepared to concede on his military objectives.

“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face exactly what we are experiencing on our flight right now – turbulence,” said Zelenskyy, recording the comments after his plane took off from Berlin.

“I am confident the United States will increase sanction pressure and supply more weapons if they reject the deal. In my view, that would be a fair request from Ukraine to the Americans,” he concluded.