Ukraine is considering an accelerated schedule for negotiations with Russia, allowing for the possibility of freezing the front line, reports The New York Times with reference to sources in the Ukrainian leadership. In these negotiations, the key issue will not be the territorial issue, but security guarantees after the end of the hot phase of the conflict.
According to the publication, the accelerated plan of negotiations is actively supported by Donald Trump. However, Kyiv notes that the protection of Ukraine's interests in possible negotiations will not depend on the final territorial borders, which will likely be determined during hostilities. Security issues remain the most important, and Ukraine prioritizes guarantees for a ceasefire.
"The protection of Ukraine's interests in potential negotiations will not depend on the territorial borders, which will probably be determined during hostilities, but on what guarantees there are for a ceasefire," the article says.
Most of all, Ukraine is aiming for NATO membership, although the Alliance refuses it. The option of providing Ukraine with a powerful arsenal of conventional weapons from the West is also being considered.
Interlocutors of the publication in Russia suggest that the freezing of the front line may happen in the spring, if Russia can return the Kursk region by then. At the same time, other Russian sources note that the Kremlin will probably demand even more serious territorial concessions from Ukraine.
