Diplomatic Plans Set to be Delivered to Moscow Within Days, Says Ukraine's President

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that a framework for a ceasefire agreement developed with US officials could be finalised in a matter of days. Afterward, American envoys will submit the documentation to the Kremlin.

Berlin Talks Yield Major Headway, With Critical Obstacles Persist

Following extensive talks in Berlin, US officials reported on Monday that approximately “90%” of the contentious issues between Russia and Ukraine had been settled. Although the outlook appears positive, an actual conclusion to the conflict is not guaranteed, especially given Russia's absence from the ongoing discussions.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Zelenskyy noted that the US Congress is expected to vote on defense assurances and that a complete package of documents could be prepared “imminently.” He added that, the U.S. would engage in discussions with Russian representatives, potentially followed by summit-level talks as soon as this weekend.

Security Guarantees and International Support

“We are counting on five documents. Several concern security guarantees: formally ratified, that is, approved and approved by the United States Congress,” the president remarked to the press. He stated that these guarantees would “mirror the collective defense clause” of the Nato alliance.

Earlier, US officials declined to give precise information regarding the likely contents of the security package or the consequences if Moscow sought to capture additional territory after a peace deal. Officials did confirm that the United States has no plans to place boots on the ground in Ukraine.

Heads of state from the UK, France, Germany and several additional European countries issued a joint statement that forces belonging to a “coalition of the willing” could “help with the regeneration of Ukrainian military capabilities, in securing Ukraine’s skies, and in ensuring maritime security, potentially by operating inside Ukraine.”

They stopped short, however, of suggesting these measures would constitute guarantees matching NATO's Article 5. Furthermore, there is scant indication that Moscow is near agreeing to the kind of arrangement under discussion between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Kremlin Response and Land Issue

On Tuesday, the Kremlin stated it had not seen the details of the proposals on security guarantees. Russia’s deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, declared that the country would never accept troops from Nato countries operating in Ukrainian territory “under any circumstances.”

The primary obstacle between the Ukrainian team and US negotiators remains the territorial question. One proposal centers on Ukraine relinquishing the parts of the Donbas region it still holds, while Ukraine wants to freeze the lines. “We are discussing the land dispute. You know, it is a central problem. Currently, there is no consensus on it yet,” Zelenskyy remarked following the Berlin discussions.

The US negotiation team, headed by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has suggested a middle-ground proposal. Under this plan would see Ukraine withdraw, but Russia would not move forward, with the demilitarised area established as “a free economic zone.” Russia has suggested it could use internal security formations instead of the military in such an area, suggesting it would still expect to maintain authority there.

“I want to stress once again: a ‘free economic zone’ does not mean under the control of Russia. Not legally or in practice do we accept the Donbas region – its currently occupied areas – as Russian. Categorically,” said Zelenskyy.

Next Steps and Possible Scenarios

It is not clear how Moscow and Kyiv will resolve the land question. Zelenskyy has previously suggested that a negotiated arrangement like a special economic area could be theoretically possible if the Ukrainian people voted for it in a national vote. The critical stumbling block is likely to be when the proposals are presented to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who has shown no indication he is prepared to concede on his military objectives.

“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face exactly what we are encountering on our plane right now – instability,” said Zelenskyy, making the statement after his plane departed from Berlin.

“I am confident the United States will increase sanction pressure and supply more weapons if he rejects everything. I think, that would be a reasonable expectation from us to the United States,” he added.