Ukraine has firmly declared that issues of sovereignty and territory are non-negotiable. The president and parliament underscore that Ukraine will not accept external restrictions on its choice of alliances. Ukrainian media report the Geneva talks as a move toward alignment, but without expectations of rapid solutions.
Public opinion remains split: some support negotiations, while others fear excessive compromise may pose long-term risks. Such debate is typical for a country at war for many years.
Geneva showed that the US seeks rapid progress, Europe prioritizes continental security, Russia searches for favorable terms, and Ukraine demands practical guarantees. The new plan version excludes risky points concerning Europe, but questions on the implementation of guarantees remain.
The next negotiation phase is expected in Washington, where Ukraine seeks guarantees independent of US or EU political cycles. Effective protection mechanisms are needed in case agreements are breached. An important Pentagon visit to Moscow is also anticipated.
Separate proposals on occupied territories are discussed. According to the President’s Office, no agreement is planned, and discussions are currently theoretical. To change the front line situation, the Ukrainian Armed Forces need more personnel and long-range weaponry, as the frontline remains unstable.
The structure and size of the Ukrainian military are a major topic. European partners insist on a large army, but sustained funding must be assured. The debate about troop numbers should be based on an agreed defense and rearmament strategy.
The issue of recognizing occupied territories as Russian or agreeing not to reclaim them militarily has been discussed since the war began, but fundamental changes remain absent.
