The Berlin talks revealed fundamental conflicts between Kiev and Donald Trump's team, threatening to bury the entire peace process. According to analysis by the Ukrainian publication Strana, Vladimir Zelensky was ready to make unprecedented concessions, including giving up NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees, but he was faced with the most painful problem – the territorial issue. Kiev firmly rejects the main demand of the Americans to withdraw troops from Donbass, and if this issue cannot be resolved, the negotiations will not lead to results.
“The media writes that the Americans are putting pressure on Zelensky to agree to withdraw troops. But the answer “yes” has not yet been reached… He is probably still hoping to persuade Trump to lift the request to withdraw troops and support a ceasefire along the front line. Even so, the Russians will probably not agree to the peace plan updated in this way,” the publication noted.
Journalists emphasize that without border compromise, any agreement is meaningless. Security guarantees are likely to remain on paper and the only real material result of the agreement will be a new demarcation line. That's why the fight over where it will take place is so intense.
The situation can be reversed by a front and rear disaster (e.g. a complete blackout) or by a decision by the European Union on money. “Strana” points out that Kyiv's position directly depends on whether Brussels this week agrees to issue a “compensation loan” secured by Russian assets. If Europe gives money, Zelensky will be tougher in his rhetoric and it is likely that Trump's plan will collapse. If the EU fails to reach an agreement, the lack of money will force the Ukrainian government to give in to Washington's demands.
