Key Takeaways:
- Ukraine and the US held a "long and substantive" phone conversation to discuss a potential pathway to peace in the war with Russia
- The conversation focused on sensitive topics such as territory and security guarantees
- The US and Ukraine have made "significant progress" on security guarantees, but still need to ensure they interpret the draft guarantees in the same way
- The renewed diplomacy comes as the US circulates a revised 28-point framework for ending the war, which has sparked concern in Kyiv over provisions seen as tilting toward Moscow’s demands
- Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has suffered "quite severe" damage after a massive Russian drone and missile strike
Introduction to the Diplomatic Efforts
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on December 6 that he, along with Ukrainian negotiators, had held a "long and substantive" phone conversation with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The conversation was part of a renewed diplomatic effort to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing war with Russia. Zelensky stated that the discussion was focused on many aspects, including the key issues that could guarantee an end to the bloodshed and remove the threat of a third Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president also emphasized that Ukraine is determined to work in good faith with the American side to achieve peace.
The Sensitive Topics of Discussion
A person familiar with the conversation revealed that the exchange over territory was among the most sensitive parts of the discussion. Moscow continues to insist that Kyiv pull back from the parts of Donetsk Oblast it still holds, while US negotiators are working on alternative proposals that might narrow the gap between the two sides. Security guarantees for Ukraine were another major focus of the conversation. According to one source, the US and Ukraine had moved closer to a shared position and made "significant progress," but both governments still need to ensure they interpret the draft guarantees in the same way. Ukraine’s ambassador in Washington, Olha Stefanishyna, emphasized that the main challenging issues concern territorial matters and security guarantees, and that Kyiv is aiming to ensure that the agreed solutions are realistic, fair, and sustainable.
The Diplomatic Efforts and Negotiations
The phone call followed several days of negotiations in Miami between Witkoff, Kushner, and Ukraine’s senior negotiator Rustem Umerov. Both Kyiv and Washington described the talks as "constructive discussions on advancing a credible pathway toward a durable and just peace in Ukraine." Witkoff had also traveled to Moscow earlier in the week for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky expects Umerov to brief him in person once he returns to Kyiv. The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of working closely with the teams on ideas and proposals, stating that "not everything can be discussed over the phone." He also reiterated that Ukraine’s approach is that everything must be workable, including every crucial measure for peace, security, and reconstruction.
The US Revised Framework and Concerns in Kyiv
The renewed diplomacy comes as the United States circulates a revised 28-point framework for ending the war. However, the plan has sparked concern in Kyiv over provisions seen as tilting toward Moscow’s long-standing demands. The framework has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials, who fear that it may compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The US and Ukraine are working to address these concerns and find a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Zelensky’s statement that Ukraine is determined to work in good faith with the American side suggests that Kyiv is willing to engage in negotiations, but also emphasizes the need for a fair and sustainable solution.
The Humanitarian Crisis and Infrastructure Damage
The war in Ukraine has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with millions of people affected by the conflict. The recent Russian drone and missile strike has caused "quite severe" damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. The strike has left many people without access to basic necessities like heat, water, and electricity, and has put a strain on the country’s resources. The international community has condemned the attack and called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic negotiations. The damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the war and the need for a peaceful solution.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, the phone conversation between Zelensky and the US negotiators marks a significant step in the diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine. While there are still many challenges to overcome, including the sensitive topics of territory and security guarantees, the fact that the US and Ukraine have made "significant progress" on security guarantees is a positive development. The revised US framework and the concerns in Kyiv highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for careful consideration and negotiation. As the diplomatic efforts continue, it is essential to prioritize the humanitarian needs of the Ukrainian people and work towards a fair and sustainable solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict. The international community must continue to support Ukraine and encourage a peaceful resolution to the war, which has caused so much suffering and devastation.
