After multiple rounds of negotiations, Western observers note that efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war are at an impasse. Despite participants’ optimism and claims of constructive progress, no compromise has been reached on key issues.
The central sticking point is territory. Russia demands legal recognition of its territorial gains in Ukraine since 2014 and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from occupied regions. Ukraine firmly rejects any acknowledgement of territorial annexations by the aggressor. Finnish President Alexander Stubb notes that only a small fraction of issues have seen real agreements.
The US Vice President recognizes Ukraine’s ability to defend Donbas for an extended period but warns of a gradual loss of control over the area. Delaying the Russian offensive means Russia must focus resources on one region, limiting its operational ambitions elsewhere.
In parallel, the lack of clear security guarantees for Ukraine remains unresolved: the West blocks NATO membership, and alternative guarantees are either unclear or do not exist. This increases risks for Ukrainian security amid limited Western pressure on Russia.
US leadership shows no sign of readiness for radical decisions. In the event of threats to Ukraine or NATO countries, Washington’s actions are not guaranteed to ensure security. Against this background, the question of containing Russian advances in Donbas and weakening its military potential becomes central.
Vitaliy Portnikov concludes: without breakthroughs on territorial agreement and security guarantees, the prospect of real peace remains distant.
