Peace Talks Stalled and Ukraine’s Current Approach
Marking the seventh anniversary of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s inauguration, an analysis by RBC-Ukraine examines the state of stalled peace negotiations and Kyiv’s evolving strategy amid the war with Russia. Talks have reached an impasse, with the status of Donbas emerging as the primary obstacle to any breakthrough. Elections in Ukraine have been postponed indefinitely, and projections suggest the conflict could stretch on for another one to three years.
Negotiations effectively froze back in February, even though both sides had agreed on prisoner exchanges and most terms of a peace framework. Military officials had also aligned on ceasefire terminology and potential troop disengagement plans. However, U.S. representatives do not fully grasp Ukraine’s stance on Donbas, while Russia’s proposal calls for creating a demilitarized free economic zone. Washington is pushing the idea of lifting sanctions in exchange for Russian concessions, but Kyiv remains firm:
“No one will simply hand over Donbas to the Russians. Period—that’s Ukraine’s position.”
Cabinet Reshuffle and Military Priorities
Following the resignation of Andriy Yermak, President Zelenskyy is restructuring his inner circle. Kyrylo Budanov now heads the Presidential Office, and Mykhailo Fedorov has been appointed Minister of Defense. Fedorov proposed a mobilization reform, but the idea of transferring recruitment center functions to the police failed to gain traction. Starting in June, military pay is set to increase, and the army will expand its contract-based component.
Ukraine’s overarching strategy against Russia is to exhaust the enemy.
“Of course, long-range strikes will continue regardless of diplomacy—that’s our tactic,”notes a source close to Zelenskyy. The country’s military priorities include:
- air defense missiles
- air defense systems
- the front line
- various long-range operations
“Air defense missiles and the overall air defense system are absolutely number one—this is a daily task, no exaggeration,” military officials comment.
The president’s inner circle has shifted: Zelenskyy now leans on parliamentary veterans, including Ruslan Stefanchuk, Oleksandr Kornienko, and Davyd Arakhamia. Media matters are handled by adviser Dmytro Lytvyn, while Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi remains the top adviser on front-line issues. “They talk about the operational situation almost every two hours. They’ve developed quite warm relations,” a military source says.
The question of new elections remains open, with no decision made yet. “The president has certainly sharpened his skills on the international stage—he brings energy and pushes this aging, gerontocratic West to get moving,” adds a source from Zelenskyy’s entourage. As a result, Ukraine’s situation stays fraught, with uncertain prospects for peace talks and ongoing military operations.
The atmosphere surrounding Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations remains tense, with no progress in sight—pointing to a prolonged conflict. Meanwhile, the cabinet changes and a sharp focus on military priorities signal Kyiv’s effort to bolster its defenses and adapt its strategy to new challenges. In the context of international politics, the U.S. role in talks is critical, though Washington’s understanding of Ukraine’s positions still needs refinement to reach any compromise.
As Ukraine navigates the complexities of its military strategy, the potential for a ceasefire remains a contentious topic. Recently, discussions between global leaders have hinted at possible negotiations surrounding key dates, such as May 9. This context underscores the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in balancing military objectives with diplomatic efforts.