Peace Negotiations on the Brink of Breakthrough: What Ukraine and the US Are Really Discussing.

According to ТСН: The negotiations to end the war in Ukraine have reached a critical point, but the 'point of no return' has not yet been crossed. Currently, the initiative belongs to the United States, which is increasing pressure on Kyiv, while Russia is trying to buy time to achieve its military goals.

Political analyst Vitaliy Kulik notes that the American side has changed its approach to dialogue with Ukraine. Instead of previous communications through trusted representatives of Donald Trump, official institutions are now involved in the process.

'It seems that the Americans are squeezing Ukraine, and Zelensky’s task is to maneuver and not fall into the trap of Trump and Putin.'

— the expert noted. He emphasized that the involvement of such prominent politicians as Marco Rubio indicates serious US intentions to achieve results. Now the ball is in Washington's court: either they manage to 'squeeze' both sides into an agreement, or the world will witness yet another round of fruitless negotiations.

Why Russia Delays

Despite the official rhetoric from the Kremlin, Moscow is interested in negotiations and participates in diplomatic efforts. However, the Russians are in no hurry to sign documents 'here and now.'

'One of the versions is that the Russians believe they have not yet gained the maximum on the battlefield, so they can drag things out until February or, conditionally, April.'

— he explained. The Kremlin aims to achieve a complex 'multi-level agreement,' where agreements will be made not only with Ukraine but also separately with the US and Europe. Only after resolving global issues will Moscow be ready to sign a treaty with Kyiv.

Kulik noted that all the insider information appearing in Western media is part of the negotiation tactics.

'The hidden segment of negotiations does not stay secret for long. All parties try to use these insides to set traps for one another.'

— added the analyst. To date, the negotiations table features specific maps, security guarantee issues, territorial concession options, as well as internal political cases — elections and referendums.

How They Want to 'Sell' Peace to Ukrainians

The main question remains the legitimation of a possible agreement in Ukraine. The expert believes that the Verkhovna Rada has enough votes, but this will depend on how the agreements are presented to the public.

'If it is packaged as peace, as guarantees, as 'we give up nothing', 'we will get everything back later diplomatically', then the Verkhovna Rada currently has the necessary number of votes.'

— predicts Kulik. This will also require a government reshuffle and consideration of the political interests of deputies. As for society, Ukrainians are not ready for capitulation but may agree to finely formulated compromises.

'When the question: 'do you support the idea of creating a free economic demilitarized zone in Donbas' is put to a referendum, the percentage of those willing to agree to such a compromise with their conscience will be higher.'

— concluded the political scientist.

It is also reported that during a dialogue with his Ukrainian counterpart, Trump stated about a significant approach to the end of the war, estimating the finalization of agreements at 95%. The American leader confirmed that he had held comprehensive consultations with key allies in Europe and had communicated with Putin.

In the context of ongoing negotiations, Ukraine's role in this process remains crucial. Kyiv's position shapes not only the internal political environment but also the larger international dynamics, as the negotiations' results will determine the region's stability. Observers believe that any agreement must be approved not only by politicians but also by broad segments of the population, which complicates the situation even further.