As tensions in Eastern Europe persist, discussions about Ukraine's future remain at the center of global attention.
Russia has made its stance clear, demanding Ukraine sever ties with NATO and adopt a position of neutrality with a limited military.
This comes ahead of talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Bloomberg reported on January 15, citing unnamed sources.
Trump has expressed a willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin soon after his inauguration.
He has suggested that his rapport with Putin could help bring a swift end to the war in Ukraine.
This has raised eyebrows, given Trump’s past remarks that appeared sympathetic to Russia and critical of the Biden administration’s robust support for Ukraine.
Russia reportedly acknowledges that individual NATO countries can continue to send weapons to Ukraine under bilateral agreements.
However, Moscow insists these weapons must not be used against Russian forces or in efforts to reclaim occupied territories.
According to Bloomberg, Russia aims to keep control over approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014.
There are also reports suggesting Russia might consider territorial exchanges in some scenarios.
At present, talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain limited. Ukrainian officials have confirmed ongoing negotiations concerning prisoner exchanges and the return of children deported during the conflict.
In Qatar, there have been discussions about protecting nuclear facilities, though details are scarce.
Trump’s approach to Ukraine has caused concern among some observers. His past comments have hinted at a potential shift in U.S. policy that might not favor Kyiv.
However, his team has pushed back against these claims. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s chosen peace envoy, stated that the goal is to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty, not to hand concessions to Russia.
Reports of Trump’s peace plan have already stirred controversy. Proposals like freezing front lines, delaying NATO membership for Ukraine by two decades, and deploying European peacekeepers have reportedly been dismissed by Moscow.
As Trump prepares to take office, the direction of U.S. involvement in the Ukraine conflict remains uncertain.
