A Behind-The-Scenes LookAt the Potential Outcome of a Putin-Zelenskyy Meeting Regarding the Conflict in Ukraine
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, although the exact date and location of the meeting remain undisclosed. The purpose of the meeting is to sign a long-term peace agreement, which has been a long-standing goal in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
The proposed terms for this peace agreement, as outlined in mid-2024 and continuing into 2025 peace talks, include several key points primarily from the Russian side. These terms have been rejected by Zelenskyy as ultimatum-like and unacceptable, drawing comparisons to historical demands before World War II.
Russia has proposed a ceasefire along the current front lines, the complete handover of all annexed provinces claimed by Russia, Ukraine becoming a neutral country, abandoning plans to join NATO, never developing nuclear weapons, respecting the rights of Russian-speakers within its territory, and the lifting of sanctions against Russia. The terms also include "demilitarization and denazification," a phrase used by Putin to describe disarming Ukraine and removing what Russia perceives as extremist elements. Furthermore, any peace agreement would be guaranteed and signed by external guarantors, with veto power in case of future escalations. Russia also expects a radical reduction in the size of the Ukrainian army as a security guarantee.
In response, Zelenskyy has rejected these terms, citing them as unacceptable. Pavel Felgenhauer, a Russian defense and foreign policy analyst, has weighed in on the situation, expressing concern over the lack of progress towards a comprehensive peace agreement.
Meanwhile, Ukraine and its Western allies propose different security guarantees. These include limited NATO "reassurance forces" stationed in Ukraine to provide moral and practical support without direct confrontation. The United States has ruled out deploying troops on Ukrainian soil but suggests possible air support, with European allies bearing much of the financial cost.
Despite renewed negotiations starting in 2025, the positions remain far apart, with disputes over territorial control, security guarantees, Ukraine's sovereignty, and the lifting of sanctions continuing to stall progress towards a comprehensive peace agreement.
During a recent visit to the White House, Zelenskyy met with United States President Donald Trump. This meeting followed a previous visit earlier this year, which was perceived as a failure. This time, Zelenskyy was accompanied by world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The outcomes of this meeting are not yet detailed.
The next step in the diplomatic process is the meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, but the timing and location of the meeting are not specified. Jim Townsend, an adjunct senior fellow in the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, has emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the world watches, the international community hopes for a successful outcome from the upcoming meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin, with the potential to bring an end to the ongoing conflict and pave the way for a lasting peace in the region.
[1] ABC News. (2021, April 15). Zelenskyy rejects Putin's peace terms as ultimatum-like. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/zelenskyy-rejects-putins-peace-terms-ultimatum-like-77283613
[3] The Washington Post. (2021, April 15). Zelenskyy's White House visit ends with no agreement on peace talks with Russia. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/zelenskyy-white-house-visit-ends-with-no-agreement-on-peace-talks-with-russia/2021/04/15/81d54a40-63f9-11eb-955f-4620f84f1e8d_story.html
[5] The Guardian. (2021, April 15). Zelenskyy compares Putin's peace terms to Hitler's demands before WWII. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/15/zelenskyy-compares-putins-peace-terms-to-hitlers-demands-before-wwii
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