The latest round of Russia-Ukraine-US negotiations was described as constructive by Steve Withov, the US President’s special representative. Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov indicated that the parties discussed ceasefire parameters and military control.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted the possibility of new meetings soon, this time in the United States. A key outcome of the talks was a rare prisoner exchange with Russia, which allowed many Ukrainians to return home for the first time in a long period.
Despite these humanitarian advances, experts note a lack of real political solutions from the Russian side. According to reports, Russia is making new demands, including international recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk regions as part of the Russian Federation, complicating any potential compromise.
Western countries, particularly the US, find it difficult to agree to such terms, as they contradict international law. While a ceasefire is expected to crown a peace agreement, there is still no consensus on its terms.
Discussions also touched on special status for Donbas, including the proposal for a free economic zone, but suggestions of Russia prolonging talks until a possible US administration change leaves the peace process unresolved.
This round of negotiations took place against the backdrop of the expiring US-Russia nuclear arms reduction agreement, raising strategic tensions. The US aims to move discussions to its own territory to push for tangible Russian concessions and real conflict resolution.
There are no firm compromises from Russia at this time, but diplomatic efforts continue amid a challenging international context.
