Details of negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States: restoration of borders or concessions to Russia
30 December 12:14
Restoration of Ukraine’s borders as of 2022, partial lifting of sanctions against Russia, and postponement of Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Journalist Dmytro Gordon shared his insights on the likely course of negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States, outlining the main positions of the parties. Is the option of leaving the occupied territories temporarily under Russian control really being considered? What security guarantees are promised to Ukraine and who will invest in post-war reconstruction – more in the
The Ukrainian government is currently seeking to restore the borders as of 2022, while Russia continues to insist on recognizing the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions. This was reported by Dmytro Gordon from his own sources.
“Ukraine is ready to restore its borders in 2022, but the Russians are demanding the impossible – full recognition of the annexations. At the same time, the negotiations are considering a format in which the occupied territories remain under Russian control, but no civilized country will recognize this,” said Dmytro Gordon.
Probable plan of negotiations
The journalist emphasized that Russia seeks not only territorial concessions, but also a partial lifting of sanctions. According to him, they are discussing the possibility of lifting sanctions in the banking and industrial sectors, as well as the termination of Putin’s criminal prosecution in the Hague Tribunal.
“Moscow is hoping to get favorable terms, but there is no question of a complete lifting of sanctions,” Gordon explained.
The role of NATO and the United States
One of the key elements of the negotiations, according to the journalist, is the deployment of NATO troops along the contact line as a guarantee of security for Ukraine. Russia is still categorically against this. At the same time, the United States may offer Ukraine a postponement of its accession to NATO for a decade or more. This compromise would allow the West to guarantee Ukraine’s security, but at the same time leave room for Russia to declare its “victory” in the war.
“The United States refuses to accept Ukraine into NATO for 10-20 years or 50 years, or refuses to accept it at all. With this treaty, they also want to let Putin walk away with his head held high. This is extremely important for Putin, because he needs to show a “victory” and he can really do it with the help of propagandists,” notes Dmytro Gordon.
Economic perspective
Gordon also outlined the prospects for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery. According to him, the negotiation process takes into account the issues of reparations and attracting Western business.
“The funds frozen in the West will be used to rebuild Ukraine. Big American business should enter our country, provide jobs and stability,” emphasized Mr. Gordon.
He also added that economic development and transparent judicial institutions are key conditions for further cooperation with the West.
When will the peace agreement be signed?
According to Gordon, the peace treaty could be signed in 2025. Immediately after that, Ukraine will hold presidential, parliamentary, and local elections organized on a shortened schedule.
“I believe that the peace treaty will be signed somewhere in the spring of 2025. And then there will be elections. Presidential, parliamentary, and local elections. As far as I know, these elections can be organized not even in six months or three months, but in two months,” said Gordon.
What does Ukraine get as a result? Ukraine retains its statehood, which is our victory, Gordon said.
“Although the territorial issues remain painful, we have examples of the unification of Germany and the Baltic states. This is the reality we should strive for,” summarized Gordon.
Ukraine faces a difficult choice: there are only two options
In an exclusive commentary for
“And the question arises: with whom is Russia going to negotiate in Slovakia over Ukraine? With the United States? WITH THE EU? The statement that a meeting in Slovakia is possible is a Putin-style provocation. Such provocations are aimed at splitting the European Union and creating internal conflicts. We have already seen similar actions on the part of Orban and Fico, who are openly working in the interests of the Kremlin,” Volodymyr Fesenko noted.
The political analyst emphasized that although many criticize the idea of freezing the war, Putin also opposes this scenario.
“Putin does not need a freeze. It does not meet his goals. But for Ukraine, the choice is very difficult: either a freeze or continuation of the war with the risk of new losses. This is a serious dilemma that needs to be considered with all possible consequences,” stated Volodymyr Fesenko.
He also noted that the idea of freezing the conflict is supported by Donald Trump, and this can be used in Ukraine’s interests. According to him, it is now beneficial for us to play on Trump’s side so that he puts pressure on Putin. This could become an additional tool in the future negotiation process.
Pre-negotiation game: preparing for real agreements
According to Volodymyr Fesenko, the current statements and rumors about the talks are part of the pre-negotiation game.
“What we are seeing now is not about real negotiations. This is raising the stakes, probing the situation, an attempt to fix their positions before future agreements. So far, even the agenda and format of possible negotiations remain uncertain,” Fesenko explained.
He also added that the first real steps in this direction can only be taken in January 2025, when Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special representative for negotiations, arrives in Europe. Specific proposals may emerge, including the format, composition of participants, and location of the talks, Fesenko noted.
The political analyst emphasizes the importance of preserving Ukraine’s unity with its Western partners, especially in the context of possible negotiations.
“Ukraine should make the most of the situation in its favor by maintaining a strategic partnership with the United States and the European Union,” summarizes Volodymyr Fesenko.
Thus, the negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States illustrate the difficulty of reaching a compromise in a time of war. The key positions of the parties demonstrate the discrepancy between their interests. Although a peace treaty remains a distant prospect, its signing could be an important step towards stabilizing the situation and rebuilding Ukraine.
