The article discusses the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and how it may impact Ukraine’s situation. Here are some key points:
* The US has been pushing for a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, but Russia has rejected this proposal.
* Ukraine has repeatedly rejected proposals to recognize any occupied territories as Russian de jure, and has instead called for a full unconditional ceasefire.
* Trump’s recent statement about a possible territorial “swapping” has been met with skepticism by Ukrainian officials, who fear it may be a way for Russia to gain concessions from Ukraine without making significant compromises.
* Ukraine wants to survive and is seeking security guarantees from the West, including NATO membership. However, the US and Europe have so far refused to provide these guarantees.
Key quotes:
* “Russia has expressed its ‘desires’ — rejection of NATO (membership for Ukraine), recognition of the occupied territories, and so on. The real key interest (for Moscow) is the lifting of sanctions. These demands are unacceptable for Ukraine; we are interested in a (prisoner) swap all for all, and a complete cessation of hostilities.” – Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, Ukrainian lawmaker
* “Ukraine wants to survive. It wants real, reliable guarantees of our survival and our security… NATO membership, first of all, yes, is the best security.” – Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s foreign affairs committee
* “I think it’s a diplomatic and political mistake because… Putin might impose his agenda for negotiations on Trump.” – Mykola Bielieskov, research fellow at the National Institute for Strategic Studies
The article concludes that a breakthrough in the conflict is unlikely without significant concessions from Russia.
