The Kremlin rejected the idea of a Christmas truce: what is being discussed in Miami.

According to ТСН: Russia dismissed the proposal from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a Christmas truce. Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, emphasized that Russia "does not want to give Ukraine a chance to rest in order to prepare for the continuation of the war."

Deputy Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Sergey Ryabkov added that the Kremlin is only willing to negotiate a deal if Russian control over occupied territories is maintained, including Crimea and parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson regions.

"We will never agree to any presence of NATO troops on Ukrainian territory," Ryabkov added.

After two days of tense negotiations between Volodymyr Zelensky and representatives of Donald Trump in Berlin, Politico reported that Ukraine has little time left to agree to the U.S. proposal on security guarantees that supposedly correspond to Article 5 of the NATO Charter. Meanwhile, sources in the U.S. note that the Trump administration still requires concessions from Ukraine regarding territories.

President Zelensky informed that the Ukrainian delegation is heading to Miami to discuss three documents: on security guarantees, the economic recovery of Ukraine, and the 20 points of the framework agreement on ending the war.

What to expect from further negotiations with the USA?

According to Hanna Shelest, it is important to realize two significant things.

• First, all plans may change at the last moment. Even what is published in the media or stated by diplomats is not final. Even commas in the final text are important.
• Second, the prepared documents will not become the final peace plan. Numerous open questions only indicate interim agreements, not a resolution to the conflict.

"For example, the negotiating group may agree on a ceasefire along the line of demarcation, but afterwards one must be ready to clarify where that line will go," notes Hanna Shelest.

Olexandr Kraiev also emphasizes that there is currently no peace plan. While initially 28 points were discussed, their number has decreased, and many unresolved questions remain.

He believes it is important for the USA to remain active in the negotiation process. Withdrawal from participation may negatively impact their relations with European partners.

What security guarantees can Ukraine receive?

Hanna Shelest states that Ukraine is not being offered specific and reliable security guarantees. The examples of situations in Japan, where American troops are stationed, do not provide assured protections.

"Article 5 of NATO states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, but this does not necessarily obligate all participants to act militarily," emphasizes the expert.

Olexandr Kraiev also adds that there are many doubts regarding potential security guarantees in the absence of monitoring the ceasefire regime.

The 'Korean' scenario for Ukraine: myth or reality?

Hanna Shelest notes that the idea of a 'Korean' scenario is supported only in the USA and some European countries, while in Korea, it is regarded with skepticism.

"Koreans point out that Ukraine should not seek to become the second North Korea in the center of Europe," she emphasizes.

Olexandr Kraiev believes that the 'Korean' scenario is impossible for Ukraine, as the situation in eastern Ukraine is fundamentally different from Korea. He notes that the experience of Croatia, which is reclaiming its territories by military means, is closer to the Ukrainian context.

Thus, the issue of conflict in Ukraine remains extremely complex, and the outcomes of diplomatic efforts are currently difficult to predict. Further negotiations may affect the future of Ukrainian independence and territorial integrity, while the actions of international partners remain crucial during this challenging time.