Ukraine and the Prospects of Peace Settlement: Five Key Conditions and Political Maneuvers
Ukraine is currently at a crossroads regarding the possibility of achieving stable and lasting peace with Russia.
Official sources and analytical reports highlight that there are five fundamental conditions that must be met to initiate and sustain the negotiation process.
These include: securing a durable ceasefire without territorial concessions, compensation for damages caused by Russia—estimated by Kyiv to range from 500 billion to one trillion dollars—security guarantees for Ukraine, maintaining sanctions against Russia, and the return of prisoners of war and children—at least around 20,000 individuals.Furthermore, the situation is complicated by political nuances, especially the potential use of the upcoming summit between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin to advance personal ambitions—aiming for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Many experts suggest this could hinder diplomatic progress.
Ukrainian leaders, notably President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with Western allies, have decided to hold a video conference ahead of the summit to reiterate their red lines and prevent any improper decisions.Currently, Kyiv’s mood is quite skeptical about the prospects of negotiations in the Alaska format, as Ukraine insists that the war must end on terms that preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The ongoing tensions surrounding Russia further complicate diplomatic efforts.
Analysts point out that high-level meetings like the Alaska summit are vulnerable stages in foreign policy, where recent measures such as tariffs on India and arms sales to Ukraine have raised concerns in Moscow and affected the diplomatic climate.Experts believe that while such high-level diplomacy aims to bring an end to the conflict, it can also create obstacles.
The situation demands careful preparation and strategic thinking from Kyiv and its partners.
The recent US actions, including tariffs and arms transfers, are viewed by some as double-edged swords—potentially facilitating peace or exacerbating existing tensions, complicating negotiations for a comprehensive resolution.