The author analyzes the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the United States, noting its limited practical outcome due to the emerging Budapest negotiation format. The main focus is placed on Zelensky's key statement in Washington, expressing readiness to "stop where we are now," meaning to halt the war along the current front lines.
This stance was clearly articulated by the Ukrainian president for the first time during his US visit and serves as a global signal to key players — the US, Russia, and allies — about Ukraine's potential willingness to freeze the conflict. According to the author, after two years of war and the failed counteroffensive, this option has become the only viable scenario for Ukraine.
In view of the upcoming Budapest summit, Zelensky's consent aligns with the position of Donald Trump and the American side. The course of further negotiations now largely depends on Russian President Vladimir Putin's decisions. The author stresses that Russia holds strong negotiating leverage and has a significant impact on the next steps.
Separate attention is paid to the lack of independent Ukrainian journalism and analysis regarding the visit, with all substantive information coming solely from American sources.
In conclusion, the author points out that freezing the war is becoming the most realistic scenario, while responsibility for a possible negotiation failure may be placed on both parties. This creates new risks for Ukraine in upcoming diplomatic processes.
