Today we speak with Valeriy Klychok, head of the Center for Civic Analytics "Vezha", who provided insights into ongoing negotiations between Ukraine, the US, and Europe. According to Klychok, the parties reached agreements on several points that do not require presidential participation. Issues like territory, Ukraine’s neutrality, language, and religion were excluded from the agenda, while about 19 points remain under discussion.
Klychok said a final document is partially agreed upon, with only certain matters left for decision at the highest level. The European plan was rejected by the Kremlin, so focus has shifted to the US proposal. The expert assessed the current phase of talks as effective, though the prospect for peace is still uncertain.
Addressing deadlines, Klychok notes that those imposed by Trump are not strict but serve to accelerate the negotiation process. Trump may reschedule deadlines, keeping all parties working under pressure.
During the discussion of Ukraine’s ‘red lines’, Parliamentary Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk highlighted: no limits on the Armed Forces, Ukraine’s right to join NATO and the EU, non-recognition of occupied territories, and protection of language, faith, and identity. Klychok points out that maintaining a large army post-war will be challenging and that security guarantees must be enshrined in intergovernmental agreements, not just memoranda.
On NATO accession, the expert argues this issue will not be resolved soon but stresses the need to avoid any imposed neutrality and to keep the door open for military-political alliances with other countries. Non-recognition of occupation and rejection of Russian as an official language remain vital domestic political symbols.
The interview concluded with remarks on the importance of national identity and future talks at the working group level.
