Diplomatic Proposals Set to be Delivered to Moscow In the Coming Days, States Ukraine's President

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that proposals for a ceasefire agreement negotiated with American diplomats are poised to be completed in a matter of days. Following this, American envoys are expected to submit the documentation to the Kremlin.

Negotiations in Berlin Produce Significant Progress, But Key Hurdles Remain

Following extensive talks in Berlin, American negotiators indicated on Monday that around “90%” of the disputed points between Moscow and Kyiv had been settled. Despite this optimistic assessment, the path to ending the war is not guaranteed, particularly because the Russian lack of participation from the current dialogue.

Early Tuesday morning, Zelenskyy noted that the American legislature was anticipated to vote on defense assurances and that a finalised set of agreements might be ready “today or tomorrow.” Subsequently, the U.S. would hold consultations with Russian representatives, leading to summit-level talks as soon as this weekend.

Defense Assurances and International Support

“The plan involves five documents. Several pertain to security guarantees: legally binding, that is, approved and approved by the United States Congress,” Zelenskyy commented to journalists. He stated that these guarantees would “mirror article 5” of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Earlier, American representatives declined to give specific details regarding the likely contents of the security package or the consequences if Russia attempted to seize additional territory following an agreement. Officials did 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 nations said in a unified declaration that troops from a “allied coalition” could “help with the rebuilding of Ukraine’s forces, in protecting Ukraine’s skies, and in ensuring safer seas, potentially by conducting operations within its territory.”

However, they did not proposing these actions would serve as assurances equivalent to NATO's Article 5. In any case, there is little sign that Russia is near agreeing to the kind of arrangement under discussion between Washington and Kyiv.

Moscow's Stance and Territorial Dispute

On Tuesday, the Russian government stated it had not received the specifics of the proposals on security guarantees. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, asserted that the country would not agree to forces of NATO member states operating in Ukrainian territory “under any circumstances.”

The main sticking point between the Ukrainian team and their American counterparts continues to be the issue of land. One proposal involves Ukraine ceding the parts of the Donbas it still holds, while Ukraine prefers to maintain the current front lines. “Talks continue on the territorial issue. As is known, it is a central problem. At this point, there is no agreement on it yet,” Zelenskyy said following the Berlin discussions.

The US negotiation team, led by two senior advisors, has proposed a middle-ground proposal. Under this plan would see Ukrainian forces pull back, but Russian troops would not move forward, with the resulting zone becoming “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 control the territory.

“I want to stress once again: a ‘special economic zone’ is not under the control of Russia. Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognise the Donbas region – its currently occupied areas – as Russian. Absolutely,” said Zelenskyy.

Next Steps and Potential Outcomes

The way ahead is uncertain how Moscow and Kyiv will proceed on the territorial issue. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution like a free economic zone might be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine voted for 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 war aims.

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

“I am confident the United States will increase sanction pressure and provide us with additional armaments if they reject the deal. In my view, that would be a reasonable expectation from us to the Americans,” he added.