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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that proposals for a ceasefire agreement developed with American diplomats are poised to be finalised in a matter of days. Afterward, U.S. representatives are expected to present the documentation to the Kremlin.

Berlin Talks Yield Significant Progress, But Key Hurdles Persist

Following extensive talks in Berlin, American negotiators indicated on Monday that approximately “90%” of the contentious issues between Moscow and Kyiv had been settled. Despite this optimistic assessment, an actual conclusion to the war is not guaranteed, especially given Russia's lack of participation from the current dialogue.

In the early hours of Tuesday, the Ukrainian president noted that the American legislature is expected to consider defense assurances and that a complete package of documents could be prepared “today or tomorrow.” He added that, the U.S. would engage in discussions with Moscow, potentially followed by high-level meetings possibly this coming weekend.

Defense Assurances and International Support

“The plan involves five documents. Several concern binding security pledges: legally binding, that is, voted on and approved by the United States Congress,” the president remarked to journalists. He clarified that these assurances would “reflect article 5” of the Nato alliance.

On Monday, American representatives did not provide specific details regarding the probable makeup of the defense package or what would happen if Moscow sought to capture more land following an agreement. They did, however, confirm that the United States does not intend to deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine.

Leaders from the UK, France, Germany and eight other European nations said in a unified declaration that troops from a “coalition of the willing” could “assist in the rebuilding of Ukrainian military capabilities, in protecting Ukrainian airspace, and in supporting maritime security, potentially by conducting operations within Ukraine.”

However, they did not suggesting these measures would constitute guarantees matching Nato’s article 5. Furthermore, there is little sign that Moscow is near agreeing to the type of package being negotiated between Washington and Kyiv.

Moscow's Stance and Land Issue

On Tuesday, the Kremlin stated it had not received the details of the proposals on security guarantees. Additionally, a senior Russian diplomat, Sergei Ryabkov, declared that Russia would not agree to troops from Nato countries operating in Ukrainian territory “under any circumstances.”

The primary obstacle between the Ukrainian team and US negotiators remains the issue of land. One proposal centers on Ukraine relinquishing the areas of the Donbas it still holds, while Ukraine wants to freeze the lines. “We are discussing the territorial issue. You know, it is one of the key issues. Currently, there is no agreement on it yet,” the president remarked after the Berlin talks.

The US negotiation team, led by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, has proposed a compromise solution. Under this plan would see Ukrainian forces withdraw, but Russian troops would not move forward, with the demilitarised area becoming “a free economic zone.” Russia has suggested it could use police and national guard formations rather than the military in such an area, suggesting it would still expect to control the territory.

“Let me reiterate: a ‘special economic zone’ is not under the control of Russia. Not legally or in practice do we accept the Donbas region – its currently occupied areas – as belonging to Russia. Categorically,” said President Zelenskyy.

Next Steps and Possible Scenarios

It is not clear how the two sides will resolve the territorial issue. The Ukrainian leader has earlier mentioned that a negotiated arrangement 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 proposals are presented to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has shown no indication he is willing to compromise on his war aims.

“Should Russia refuse all proposals, we will face precisely the situation we are encountering on our flight right now – instability,” commented the president, making the statement as his aircraft took off from Berlin.

“I believe the United States will apply sanctions pressure and provide us with more weapons if he rejects everything. I think, that would be a fair request from us to the United States,” he concluded.