Negotiations to End the War in Ukraine
Negotiations to end the war in Ukraine are being conducted without the involvement of professional diplomats. The process is controlled by individuals close to former U.S. President Donald Trump, including:
- Jared Kushner
- Steve Witkoff
- Marco Rubio
- J.D. Vance
- Andy Baker
- Finance Minister Bessent
Despite efforts, Russia has made no visible concessions in the negotiations, leaving the likelihood of continued hostilities high.
The initial draft of the agreement was prepared by Kyrylo Dmytriiev and Witkoff, but clear results have yet to be achieved. Zelensky, it is noted, has adopted a wait-and-see tactic, which may indicate caution in choosing the next steps in the negotiations. The summit in Berlin, which took place on December 15, was an important milestone in the process, as Zelensky held talks with Trump's special envoys that lasted nearly two hours. Overall, consultations lasted about eight hours.
12 leaders of the EU and partner countries issued a joint statement regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, indicating the international community's interest in stabilizing the situation in the region. On December 16, Donald Trump stated that a peaceful resolution is 'closer than ever,' but real steps from Russia are still absent. Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the issues concerning territories related to Russia's demands have been heard from the U.S., but results are not yet visible.
Expert Analysis of the Situation
Experts believe that the team controlling the negotiations has essentially destroyed the old national security process. This may mean that further efforts for a peaceful resolution to the conflict will require new approaches and initiatives. The situation remains tense, and the world is watching developments, hoping for positive shifts in the peace process.
Negotiations occurring without the participation of professional diplomats may indicate new approaches to resolving the conflict in Ukraine, but also raise concerns about their effectiveness. The high likelihood of continued hostilities underscores the complexity of the situation and the need for increasing international support. Observing these processes will be crucial for understanding the future development of events in Ukraine and the region as a whole.