Today marks a key stage in international negotiations: US special envoy Vitkov visits Putin to discuss the Ukraine issue. President Trump is assembling his officials, while in the US there is criticism of his unconventional approach to peace talks, sometimes involving business partners in negotiations against strategic US and allied interests.
Putin is leveraging the situation, capitalizing on Trump's loyalty and Vitkov's pro-Russian stance. The Russian leader is raising the stakes, demanding more than he did under Biden, while publicly expressing respect for Trump. The Ukrainian side reports that most points have been agreed but warns that Russian intransigence could derail talks.
Meanwhile, discussion continues over frozen Russian assets in Europe, with US sources hinting at the possibility of returning these to Russia after the war. European partners are uneasy about this, as the assets are located in their jurisdiction.
Russia continues to spread disinformation, claiming to seize cities in eastern Ukraine without substantiation, and is pushing for the creation of a "security zone" on Ukraine's northern border, effectively a move toward occupying Ukrainian territory.
The talks include issues of Russian language status, NATO renunciation, demarcation lines, and future elections. Some proposals have not been discussed with parliament or the public. There is no agreement on real security guarantees for Ukraine.
President Zelensky is currently in Ireland. Domestically, there is criticism of certain politicians and oligarchs. Western partners, such as the Netherlands, are expanding their defense support for Ukraine. The author stresses the importance of transparent negotiations and highlights the role of Ukraine’s Armed Forces as the state’s main support during the war.
