Ukraine continues to insist on territorial integrity while Russia seeks to formalize control over the occupied areas through “peace discourse.” At the same time, the United States (U.S.) is threatening to withdraw from negotiations, and Europe faces its own limitations in contributing to a peace solution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejects the idea of freezing the conflict and territorial concessions, clearly stating that a just peace does not include rewards for the aggressor. His statements come in response to U.S. proposals suggesting that Ukraine recognize Russian control over Crimea, with a potential freezing of the conflict along existing frontlines.
Zelenskyy remains consistent in his stance; neither Crimea nor other occupied territories are subjects of negotiation unless Ukrainians in return receive a complete and unconditional ceasefire. His position relies on the principle of international law and the support of allies, but at the same time opposes increasingly strong and frequent signals from Washington about the necessity of compromise for a swift end to the war.
Call to Kyiv and Moscow
The latest statement by Donald Trump in an interview, in which he says he believes that Putin wants to end the war, although just a few days earlier he said that “maybe he doesn’t,” shows that the U.S. president wants to present himself as the key peacemaker who will use his relationship with Putin to facilitate a solution to the conflict. The U.S. has called on Kyiv and Moscow to present concrete proposals for ending the war, warning that otherwise it could withdraw from its intermediary role.
“Both sides must submit concrete proposals on how to end this conflict. How we proceed is a decision that belongs to President Trump. If there is no progress, we will withdraw as mediators in this process,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, adding that Trump will decide this week on the continuation of negotiations on the war in Ukraine.
The U.S. representative in the United Nations (UN) Security Council, John Kelley, blamed Russia for the continuation of the bloodshed, saying that Russian attacks have caused unnecessary loss of life, including innocent civilians.
“If both sides are ready for peace, the U.S. will support them in that,” he said.
The Kremlin on Wednesday confirmed that Putin is open to peace negotiations, but also that the situation is too complex for a quick solution.
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that political and diplomatic solutions remain a priority for Moscow, but that the goals of the war must be achieved. He added that Putin is ready for direct negotiations with Ukraine, but said that no response has come from Kyiv to that offer.
At the same time, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov expressed readiness for direct negotiations with Ukraine without preconditions, while at the same time rejecting the Ukrainian request for a 30-day ceasefire, calling it a “precondition.” The message from Moscow remains ambiguous: on one hand, openness to dialogue; on the other, rejection of concrete de-escalation measures.
Questionable European capabilities
Although the West increasingly talks about security guarantees for Ukraine after the war, Europe’s actual military readiness proves questionable. According to media reports, Europe would struggle to gather even 25.000 troops for a deterrent mission in Ukraine, and that with maximum effort.
The biggest problems are the lack of personnel, underfunded armies, and the political reluctance of major countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain to send troops. In such a vacuum of military-diplomatic resolve in the West, Moscow is increasing verbal pressure. Former President Dmitry Medvedev threatened that the newer NATO members, particularly Sweden and Finland, are now potential targets of nuclear strikes if a wider conflict erupts. In a statement to Russian media, Medvedev once again demonstrated a hardline stance that strengthens Russia’s strategy of deterrence through intimidation.
Despite Russia’s announcement of a three-day ceasefire from May 8th to May 10th, fighting has not subsided. Russian drones struck Kharkiv and Dnipro, injuring dozens and killing at least one person. Ukrainian authorities report an intensification of attacks, especially in the Pokrovsk direction, where Russian forces are trying to break through defense lines. The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, says that Russia is sending new units to the front daily, resulting in heavy losses among its soldiers, while the Russian side presents “illusory successes” to the public. The Ukrainian army adds that the targets of the attacks were civilian targets and infrastructure, including hospitals and energy facilities, which further undermines the credibility of any Russian call for a ceasefire.
