On November 28, the Public Energy Center “Vezha” hosted a discussion on the most pressing developments in Ukraine and the world. Center head Valerii Klychok, alongside political experts Ihor Reyterovych, Yevhen Magda, and Oleksandr Antonyuk, focused on Ukraine’s peace negotiations, the negotiating group’s role, and the searches at the home of Andrii Yermak, head of the President's Office.
The panel discussed in detail whether the searches targeting Yermak could influence ongoing talks, and if the events signal pressure from external actors seeking “capitulation” scenarios. Panelists stressed that final decisions lie with the president, and thus, changes in the negotiating team are unlikely to impact overall strategy. They also noted the negotiating group’s ability to adapt personnel as needed, emphasizing that leadership changes would not significantly change the direction of negotiations.
Experts underlined that at this stage, peace talks remain routine—focused largely on humanitarian issues, with fundamental decisions on ending hostilities unlikely before spring. Russia’s approach, they noted, increasingly aims to exclude Ukraine from substantive negotiations, preferring instead to engage with major global powers.
The discussion also examined the positions and interests of the US, Trump, China, and European countries, while highlighting Ukraine’s need to reinforce domestic political subjectivity and strengthen parliamentary influence. Participants reflected on ongoing funding needs, the necessity for government renewal, and the challenges related to Western support.
In conclusion, the experts offered a cautious outlook: freezing the conflict appears unlikely in the near term, and the resolution of critical issues will depend on Ukraine’s resilience in both political and economic spheres.
