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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that a framework for a peace deal developed with American diplomats are poised to be finalised in a matter of days. Afterward, American envoys are expected to submit the documentation to the Kremlin.

Berlin Talks Yield Major Headway, But Key Hurdles Remain

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 is not guaranteed, especially given the Russian lack of participation from the current dialogue.

Early Tuesday morning, Zelenskyy said that the American legislature was anticipated to consider security guarantees and that a finalised set of documents could be prepared “today or tomorrow.” Subsequently, the United States would engage in discussions with Russian representatives, leading to summit-level talks as soon as this weekend.

Defense Assurances and International Support

“The plan involves five key agreements. Several pertain to binding security pledges: legally binding, that is, voted on and approved by the US Congress,” the president commented to the press. He clarified that these assurances would “reflect the collective defense clause” of the Nato alliance.

On Monday, US officials did not provide specific details regarding the probable makeup of the security 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 place boots on the ground in the country.

Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany and eight other European nations said in a unified declaration that troops from a “allied coalition” could “assist in the regeneration of Ukrainian military capabilities, in securing Ukrainian airspace, and in supporting maritime security, potentially by operating inside Ukraine.”

They stopped short, however, of suggesting these actions would serve as guarantees equivalent to Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is little sign that Moscow is near accepting the kind of arrangement being negotiated between Washington and Kyiv.

Kremlin Response and Land Issue

The following day, the Russian government said it had not received the specifics of the proposals on security guarantees. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, asserted that Russia would not agree to troops from 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 territorial question. One proposal involves Ukraine ceding the parts of the Donbas region 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. Currently, there is no consensus on it yet,” the president remarked after the Berlin talks.

American mediators, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has suggested a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukraine pull back, but Russia would not advance, with the resulting zone becoming “an open economic area.” Moscow has suggested it could use police and national guard units instead of the military in such an area, implying it would still seek to control the territory.

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

Path Forward and Potential Outcomes

The way ahead is uncertain how the two sides will resolve the territorial issue. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a negotiated arrangement such as a free economic zone might be theoretically possible if the Ukrainian people voted for it in a referendum. The critical stumbling block is likely to be when the proposals are presented to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has given no sign he is willing to compromise on his war aims.

“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face precisely the situation we are experiencing on our flight right now – turbulence,” said the president, recording the comments after his plane departed from Berlin.

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