Is Ukraine any closer to achieving peace after a tense and fast moving wave of diplomacy There are mixed signals from leaders involved in the negotiations but some believe momentum is building. Speaking to reporters Donald Trump said progress was being made and suggested that a potential agreement was approaching. His upbeat tone followed several intense days of discussions between the United States Ukraine and European partners. President Volodymyr Zelensky who had sounded deeply concerned only a few days earlier expressed new optimism saying there were now many prospects that could make the path to peace in Ukraine realistic. He acknowledged that significant steps had been taken yet stressed that a great deal of hard work remains. Russia has reacted more cautiously. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov noted that Moscow saw a few positive elements in the latest draft proposal but said other parts required detailed expert level discussions. Meanwhile President Vladimir Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea that a peace deal was near calling such conclusions premature.
Ukraine Peace Prospects Evolve as World Powers Intensify Diplomatic Efforts
The diplomatic flurry began last Wednesday when a leaked twenty eight point United States proposal for ending the war in Ukraine surfaced. The document suggested territorial concessions and limits on Ukraines military prompting outrage in Kyiv and worries across Europe. European officials rushed to respond and by the weekend produced their own counter proposal also twenty eight points but notably firmer on security guarantees and less direct on territorial concessions. By Sunday senior officials from Ukraine the United States and Europe met in Geneva. A joint statement described the talks as highly productive and highlighted the goal of achieving a sustainable and just peace in Ukraine. European leaders including Sir Keir Starmer pointed to this language as a sign that progress had been made. Ukraines First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya said the newest version of the plan had been narrowed to nineteen points with the most divisive issues such as territory and Ukraines relationship with Nato left for Trump and Zelensky to resolve personally. The updated document remains confidential with governments avoiding any further leaks after the uproar caused by the earlier draft.
Diplomatic activity has not slowed. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff is set to visit Moscow and reports suggest Zelensky may return to Washington. According to Daniel Fried former United States assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs the process is accelerating quickly though it is unclear whether it is headed toward a breakthrough or a dead end. Concerns remain for Kyiv especially regarding security guarantees. Ukrainian officials want clear assurances that any peace deal will protect Ukraine from future aggression. European leaders have discussed guarantees inspired by Nato principles and a separate United States paper reportedly outlines a model based on collective defense adapted for Ukraine. However the details are still under negotiation. Territory remains another major unresolved issue. While the earlier proposal suggested recognizing Russian control over several regions the European counter proposal replaced this with a focus on negotiations starting from current front lines. The latest version of the plan remains secret but a joint statement insisted that any agreement must fully uphold Ukraines sovereignty. Despite the diplomatic activity experts warn that peace in Ukraine remains uncertain. Leaders in Kyiv Moscow and Washington face internal pressures and conflicting priorities. Still many believe the effort is serious and that all sides are exploring whether real progress is possible.
source:BBC
