Kyiv and its foreign allies 'are being very diplomatic' • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Ukraine's Delegation to Peace Talks: A significant delegation, including key figures like Andriy Yermak, Serhiy Kyslytsya, and Kyrylo Budanov, is being sent to peace talks.
• Zelenskyy's Decision to Stay in Kyiv: President Zelenskyy is remaining in Kyiv due to a major political crisis at home, deeming it an inappropriate time to travel abroad.
• Diplomatic Strategy: Ukraine is adopting a diplomatic approach, focusing on dialogue and improvements to a proposed peace plan rather than outright rejection.
• US Political Landscape and Trump's Negotiating Team: The summary highlights the involvement of Donald Trump and his team, including Steve Wickoff (seen as pro-Russian) and Marco Rubio (portrayed as more sensible).
• Pressure Tactics and Aid Threats: There are reports of threats from the Trump administration regarding an immediate cut to aid and intelligence sharing if Ukraine does not sign the plan by Thanksgiving.
• European Allies' Support: European leaders, like Donald Tusk, are working with Ukraine on a strategy to address the peace plan.
• US Congressional Opposition: A notable number of US Congress members have expressed opposition to the proposed plan.

Ukraine's Delegation and Diplomatic Strategy

Ukraine is sending a substantial delegation to upcoming peace talks. This delegation is led by Andriy Yermak, President Zelenskyy's chief of staff, who is currently facing unpopularity. Other key members include Serhiy Kyslytsya, the deputy foreign minister, who is described as a popular figure, and Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the military intelligence service, also considered a popular and independent figure.

President Zelenskyy has decided to remain in Kyiv, citing the current "moment of great crisis" and "huge dilemma for the country" as reasons why it is not the opportune time for him to travel abroad, especially after a significant trip overseas during a period of domestic political turmoil.

Despite his absence from the talks, Zelenskyy has been engaged in phone conversations with Ukraine's foreign allies, including European leaders such as Donald Tusk. The public statements from these discussions suggest a coordinated strategy. Instead of issuing strong rejections like calling the plan "absurd, unacceptable, totally unfair," Ukraine's approach is to express a willingness to "talk about it" and "make improvements on this plan," emphasizing a desire to "work with the United States." This diplomatic stance is characterized as being "very, very diplomatic."

US Political Dynamics and Negotiating Team

The hope is that pressure from Ukraine's European allies, coupled with opposition from a significant number of US Congress members who have been vocal against the plan, will influence the outcome. The focus is on influencing Donald Trump and his negotiating team.

The summary identifies key members of Trump's team:

• Steve Wickoff: Described as consistently pushing Russian viewpoints and narratives, and in constant contact with Putin's envoy, Kuril Dimitri.
• Marco Rubio: Portrayed as a more sensible, well-educated figure, perhaps an "old school Republican," who understands the situation better and appears more hesitant about the current plan.

Threats and Deadline Concerns

A significant concern for Ukraine is the reported threat from Donald Trump and his administration of an "immediate cut to aid and intelligence sharing" if Ukraine does not sign the proposed plan by "next Thursday," which is Thanksgiving. This deadline and the potential consequences are causing considerable anxiety among Ukrainians, described as "sending shivers down the spine."

Logical Connections and Supporting Evidence

The decision for Zelenskyy to stay in Kyiv is directly linked to the "major political crisis at home," providing context for his absence from the talks. The diplomatic strategy of engaging in dialogue and seeking improvements is presented as a response to the pressure and potential aid cuts, suggesting a calculated effort to navigate a difficult situation. The mention of specific individuals on Trump's negotiating team, like Wickoff and Rubio, and their perceived stances, serves as evidence for the analysis of US involvement. The "threats from Donald Trump and his administration" are presented as the primary driver of Ukrainian concern regarding the Thanksgiving deadline.

Conclusion/Synthesis

Ukraine is navigating a critical juncture, facing a proposed peace plan with potential repercussions for its aid and intelligence sharing. The country is adopting a diplomatic strategy, engaging its European allies and leveraging opposition within the US Congress to influence the terms of any agreement. President Zelenskyy's decision to remain in Kyiv underscores the severity of the domestic political situation. The looming deadline of Thanksgiving and the reported threats of aid cuts are creating significant pressure on Ukraine to accept a plan that may not be entirely favorable, highlighting the complex interplay of international diplomacy, domestic politics, and geopolitical interests.