Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia allegedly prefers a diplomatic solution to the war, but if Ukraine and its partners refuse to negotiate, Moscow is ready to continue seizing territory by military means. This stance was unsurprising to the Ukrainian side.
Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, the US is preparing a new round of sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector in case Putin rejects a peace agreement. Such sanctions are expected to exert significant pressure on Russia, though their effectiveness will depend on cooperation from the international community.
Experts highlight that Putin's position demonstrates the Kremlin’s political flexibility, remaining formally engaged in negotiations while pushing for the most favorable terms for a "frozen" conflict.
Security guarantees have become a focal point of current discussions. Proposals are being considered for guarantees similar to NATO’s Article 5 but without Ukraine’s formal membership. The idea involves Ukraine signing individual agreements with Western countries, ensuring various forms of support in the event of renewed Russian aggression.
The use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine is also a central topic. The debate centers on US and EU positions on the confiscation and transfer of these assets to Ukraine, as well as on how sanctions policies will affect the ongoing peace process.
Experts note that the unity of the Western coalition will be crucial in building an effective security system for Ukraine. Negotiators stress the need for flexible cooperation formats as NATO membership for Ukraine remains unlikely in the near future.
The issues of future sanctions, security guarantee models, and diplomatic arrangements remain central to the international agenda and are key factors that will shape the outcome of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
