Negotiations between the USA and Ukraine regarding Donbas
The USA insists on concessions from Ukraine in Donbas, which has become a stumbling block in negotiations between Washington and Kyiv. Ukraine, for its part, advocates for the freezing of the conflict at the current front line. As of today, approximately 30% of Donbas remains under Ukrainian control.
On November 30, 2023, representatives from the USA and Ukraine failed to reach an agreement on territorial issues, raising concerns in both countries. The initial 28-point plan regarding the situation in the region was reduced to 19 points; however, this did not lead to progress in negotiations. The Kremlin, for its part, has maintained all maximalist demands, complicating the achievement of a compromise.
The influence of European countries and Trump's statements
The European Union has also defined a 'red line' for US President Donald Trump's peace initiative. In this context, Trump noted:
"Russia would probably like to have the whole country" - Donald Trump.This indicates the seriousness of the situation and the USA's desire to influence the developments in Ukraine. However, a European official expressed the opinion that 'perhaps Trump also wants this to happen quickly.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the USA and Ukraine have not reached an agreement regarding the eastern part of the country, highlighting the existing difficulties in negotiations and the need for further efforts to achieve peace in the region.
Currently, there is a significant gap between the USA and Ukraine regarding the resolution of the conflict in Donbas, complicating diplomatic efforts from both sides. In the context of international pressure and Russia's presence in the region, it is important that negotiations continue, as their outcome affects not only stability in Ukraine but also security in Europe as a whole.