Negotiating peace is never a simple process, especially in a war that has reshaped global security.
While efforts to end the fighting in Ukraine gain momentum, the question remains: what kind of agreement will be reached, and at what cost? Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba offers a sharp perspective on the challenges ahead.
Trump’s Peace Plan: Ceasefire vs. Ending the War
In an interview with HotNews, Kuleba stressed that a distinction must be made between halting the fighting and actually ending the war. "These are two different phases," he said, commenting on Donald Trump’s push for peace talks.
Trump’s special envoy, General Keith Kellogg, is expected to present a peace proposal at the Munich Security Conference.
However, Kuleba believes that as long as Russian President Vladimir Putin thinks he can win, "he will be reluctant to engage in a serious settlement."
For Ukraine, key red lines in any negotiation will revolve around territorial sovereignty and NATO membership.
"Both sides will start with their maximum demands," Kuleba noted, adding that the final outcome remains impossible to predict.
Will Europe Step Up as the U.S. Steps Back?
Kuleba also addressed the shifting role of the U.S. in European security. "It is clear that the U.S. does not intend to continue supporting Europe’s defense at the same level as in past decades," he said.
This puts EU nations at a crossroads: either they increase their defense spending to compensate for America’s reduced involvement, or they attempt to negotiate a security arrangement with Russia. "The choice is obvious," he stated, though the long-term consequences remain uncertain.
Ukrainians More Open to Talks—but Not at Any Cost
Kuleba acknowledged that Ukrainians are now more willing to consider negotiations than they were a year ago.
However, he stressed that they expect a fair agreement, not "one-sided concessions to Russia." Support for the armed forces remains strong, and the real test will be whether the public ultimately accepts any deal that is reached.
As reported by HotNews, the coming months will determine whether diplomacy can bring a lasting solution or if Ukraine must continue fighting for its future.
