Zelenskyy: Front lines freeze a 'good compromise' | DW News

Key Concepts

• Ceasefire on Front Lines: A proposal to halt military operations along the current positions of the Ukrainian and Russian forces.
• Territorial Concessions: The idea of Ukraine ceding land occupied by Russia as part of a peace agreement.
• Civilian Infrastructure Attacks: Russia's alleged deliberate targeting of non-military sites like oil and gas facilities, leading to power outages.
• EU Sanctions Package: New measures by the European Union aimed at pressuring Russia, including targeting its "shadow fleet" and accelerating the phase-out of Russian oil and gas.
• Reparation Loan: A potential financial aid package for Ukraine to help with reconstruction and regional security.
• Pearl Initiative: A European NATO initiative to purchase American weapons for Ukraine.
• Tomahawk Missiles: Advanced long-range missiles that Ukraine has reportedly requested from the US.

Summary of Discussion on Ukraine Conflict and Peace Proposals

This discussion centers on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, focusing on recent proposals for a peace settlement and the current geopolitical landscape. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's remarks regarding a meeting with Donald Trump, and subsequent commentary from Ukrainian Parliament member Yevhenia Kravchuk, form the core of the conversation.

Trump's Proposal and Zelenskyy's Reaction

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Donald Trump proposed "stay where we stay and begin conversation," which Zelenskyy described as a "good compromise." This proposal, made during a meeting at the White House, suggested freezing the Ukraine war along the current front lines. The transcript notes that these front lines have remained largely unchanged for the past two years, with Russian forces occupying approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

However, Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty about whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would support such a compromise. He also indicated that he had communicated this to the press.

Reports of Trump Pressuring Ukraine on Land Concessions

Reports following the meeting suggested that Donald Trump urged President Zelenskyy to consider giving up land occupied by Russia as part of a peace deal. The transcript explicitly states that this is a "red line" for Ukraine.

Trump's Frustration and Canceled Summit

Donald Trump has reportedly been frustrated by Vladimir Putin's refusal to moderate his "maximalist demands." Trump had previously announced a summit with Putin in Budapest, but on Tuesday, he stated that those talks were "on hold." Trump was quoted as saying, "I don't want to have a waste of time, so I'll see what happens. But uh we did all of these uh great deals, great peace deals. They're all peace deals, agreements, solid agreements, every one of them. But this one, and I said, 'Go to the line. Go to the line of uh battle on the battlefield lines.' And you pull back and you go home and everybody take some time off because you got two countries that are killing each other. Two countries are losing 5 to 7,000 soldiers a week."

Continued Russian Aerial Attacks

Meanwhile, Russia's large-scale aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities persist. The transcript reports that at least two people were killed after a drone hit a residential building in Kyiv, and four others died in strikes in the surrounding region. Ukraine claims these attacks targeted oil and gas infrastructure, causing power outages across the country. The southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia was also affected.

Clarification on Ukraine's Position on Ceasefire and Territory

Yevhenia Kravchuk, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament for President Zelenskyy's Servant of the People Party, clarified Ukraine's stance on the proposed ceasefire. She emphasized that while Ukraine needs to "stop the killings" and desires an "unconditional ceasefire," this does not mean acknowledging Russia's control over occupied Ukrainian territory.

Kravchuk stated that Russia is deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, aiming to inflict hardship on millions of people during the winter by attacking electricity and gas supplies. She argued that this targeting of civilian infrastructure indicates a lack of military success.

She reiterated that a ceasefire is a prerequisite for "real negotiations" and the "whole peace process." Kravchuk asserted, "stop the killing first, then negotiate this."

When pressed on whether this represented a change in Ukraine's position, with Ukrainian territory now seemingly "on the table," Kravchuk clarified: "ceasefire doesn't mean that we acknowledge the... Forgive me forgive me. Not not so much that not so much the fact of a ceasefire but the fact that previously in previous months it has been publicly stated that there will be no um uh uh exchange of territory. There will be no uh rewarding Russia's aggression by seeding territory."

She explained that Ukraine is not "cutting a part of our land to save another part," comparing it to "cutting a left leg to save a right leg." Kravchuk firmly stated, "it's clearly that we're not giving or we're not leaving any uncontrolled uh territories by Russian Federation." She suggested that this is Putin's objective, to obtain territory in the Donetsk region that the Russian army has been unable to occupy since the war began in 2014. However, she acknowledged that there "should be a diplomatic solution for the occupation of uh uh territories that are right now uh occupied."

Confirmation of White House Meeting Details

Regarding reports that Trump pressed Zelenskyy to give up areas as part of a deal, Kravchuk stated she was not present at the meeting and could only judge from public statements. She noted that when reporters asked Trump if he pressured Zelenskyy about leaving territories, he said "no." Kravchuk suggested that "we should I guess believe the words of American president."

Positive Developments: EU Sanctions and Financial Aid

Kravchuk highlighted positive news regarding international pressure on Russia. She mentioned that the EU had agreed on the "19th package of sanctions," which would target the "shadow fleet" and bring closer the deadline for dropping Russian oil and gas purchases, with a target start date of January 1st, 2027. Ukraine is also awaiting a decision on a "reparation loan," which would be a significant help for Ukraine and regional security.

US Position and Negotiating Tactics

The discussion then shifted to America's position and its negotiating tactics with Russia, particularly in light of reports that President Trump refused to give Ukraine Tomahawk missiles. Kravchuk suggested that if the US were applying sufficient pressure, Putin would be more willing to negotiate, and the summit would be scheduled. She reiterated Trump's statement about not wanting a "wasteful meeting" but a "meaningful meeting." Kravchuk emphasized that "the pressure has to be enlarged," and sanctions are crucial, including those on oil, gas, and third countries still purchasing them.

Weapons Initiatives

In terms of weapons, Kravchuk mentioned a new initiative called "Pearl," where European NATO partners are buying American weapons for Ukraine, and America is willing to sell more. She acknowledged the "informational influence" of the Tomahawk missile issue.

Conclusion

The conversation underscores the complex diplomatic and military situation surrounding the Ukraine conflict. While a proposal for a ceasefire along current front lines has been put forward, Ukraine maintains its stance against territorial concessions. International efforts, including EU sanctions and potential financial aid, are seen as crucial in pressuring Russia towards meaningful negotiations. The effectiveness of US negotiating tactics and the provision of advanced weaponry remain key points of discussion.