🔗 Share this article Diplomatic Plans Ready for Delivered to Russia In the Coming Days, Says Ukraine's President President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that a framework for a ceasefire agreement negotiated with American diplomats could be completed in a matter of days. Afterward, U.S. representatives are expected to submit the terms to the Kremlin. Berlin Talks Yield Significant Progress, But Key Hurdles Remain Following extensive talks in Berlin, US officials indicated on Monday that around “90%” of the contentious issues between Russia and Ukraine had been resolved. Despite this optimistic assessment, the path to ending the conflict remains uncertain, especially given Russia's absence from the ongoing discussions. Early Tuesday morning, the Ukrainian president said that the American legislature is expected to vote on security guarantees and that a finalised set of documents might be ready “imminently.” He added that, the United States would engage in discussions with Moscow, potentially followed by summit-level talks possibly this weekend. Security Guarantees and International Support “The plan involves five key agreements. Some of them pertain to security guarantees: legally binding, that is, approved and endorsed by the US Congress,” the president commented to the press. He clarified that these assurances would “mirror the collective defense clause” of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. On Monday, American representatives declined to give precise information regarding the likely contents of the defense package or what would happen if Moscow attempted to seize additional territory after a peace deal. Officials did confirm that the United States does not intend to deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine. Leaders from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany and several additional European nations said in a unified declaration that troops from a “allied coalition” could “help with the regeneration of Ukraine’s forces, in protecting Ukrainian airspace, and in supporting safer seas, including through operating inside its territory.” However, they did not suggesting these measures would constitute assurances matching Nato’s article 5. In any case, there is scant indication that Russia is near accepting the type of package under discussion between Washington and Kyiv. Moscow's Stance and Territorial Dispute The following day, the Russian government said it had not seen the details of the plans for security assurances. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergey Ryabkov, declared that Russia would never accept forces of Nato countries being stationed in Ukraine “no matter what.” The primary obstacle between the Ukrainian team and their American counterparts remains the territorial question. One proposal involves Ukraine relinquishing the parts of the Donbas it still holds, while Ukraine prefers to freeze the lines. “We are discussing the territorial issue. You know, it is a central problem. At this point, there is no agreement on it yet,” the president said following the Berlin discussions. The US negotiation team, headed by two senior advisors, has proposed a middle-ground proposal. Under this plan would see Ukraine pull back, but Russia would not advance, with the resulting zone becoming “a free economic zone.” Moscow has suggested it could use internal security units instead of the military in such an area, suggesting it would still seek to maintain authority there. “I want to stress once again: a ‘special economic zone’ is not under the control of Moscow. Neither de jure nor de facto will we recognise Donbas – its temporarily occupied part – as belonging to Russia. Absolutely,” said President Zelenskyy. Next Steps and Possible Scenarios It is not clear how Moscow and Kyiv will proceed on the land question. Zelenskyy has earlier mentioned that a compromise solution like a free economic zone might be conceivable if the citizens of Ukraine approved it in a referendum. The critical stumbling block is expected to arise when the plans are put to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has shown no indication he is willing to compromise on his military objectives. “Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face exactly what we are encountering on our flight right now – turbulence,” commented the president, recording the comments after his plane departed from Berlin. “I am confident the United States will increase sanction pressure and provide us with more weapons if they reject the deal. I think, that would be a reasonable expectation from us to the United States,” he added.