Renowned journalist and blogger Ostap Drozdov summarized the main points of preliminary agreements between Ukraine and the US on a possible end to the war, speaking on Radio UA Chicago. While noting these agreements could be nullified if Russia disagrees, Drozdov emphasized the importance of analyzing their substance.
The sovereignty of Ukraine and the status of lost territories are central. Drozdov highlights that placing these territories under an "unrecognized" status (as with Transnistria, Abkhazia, or Crimea) could become the basis for freezing the conflict. Polls show most Ukrainians are ready for such a compromise for the sake of peace.
One of the main sticking points is the control over Donbas. Russia demands Ukraine withdraw from all of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, while Kyiv insists on fixing the current front line. An alternative is to create a free economic and demilitarized zone, which would be put to a referendum.
Another key issue is the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant—there is no consensus, and the parties' positions differ significantly. Ukraine insists on joint US-Ukraine management, but Russia is unlikely to agree to hand over the station.
Security guarantees for Ukraine from the US, NATO, and European countries are also highlighted. Drozdov stresses that this could be the key to resolving the conflict and addressing territorial losses.
Drozdov emphasizes that these agreements are preliminary and will become real only if Russia accepts them. He urges continued monitoring of events and hopes that this Christmas will be the last during the war for Ukraine.
