Sovereignty vs. Security: Zelenskyy’s trilateral gamble in the shadow of the Geneva peace process
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed tactical progress regarding military protocols following high-stakes negotiations with Russia and the United States. Despite this, a deep political divide persists over the status of the Donbas region.
In a landmark interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, Zelenskyy noted that both sides are nearing a finalized document. This draft outlines the technical monitoring of a ceasefire immediately after hostilities cease.
The trilateral deadlock
"On the political front, the situation remains complex," Zelenskyy stated. He revealed a trilateral divergence of perspectives, noting that Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. currently hold three distinct views on territorial resolution.
The Ukrainian leader referenced a 2025 proposal from peace talks in Saudi Arabia. At that time, the U.S. suggested a ceasefire along the current demarcation line, leaving territorial disputes to be settled through long-term diplomacy.
The 'Great Compromise'
Zelenskyy clarified that while Ukraine supports the core of the Saudi-led framework, it will not accept Moscow's latest demand for a total withdrawal from Donbas. He described the current frontline freeze as a "significant compromise" in itself.
"We cannot simply walk away. This is our land," Zelenskyy emphasized. He insisted that while some areas are "temporarily occupied," Kyiv will never grant them legal recognition as Russian territory.
Future security guarantees
The President underscored that Donbas is not merely a map location but a strategic shield involving tens of thousands of lives. He argued that any peace deal without ironclad guarantees would be a "blank page" for future generations.
To prevent a renewed invasion, Zelenskyy is demanding a robust security architecture. This includes a standing Ukrainian army of 800,000 personnel, a permanent European presence, and explicit defense guarantees from Washington.
Next steps in diplomacy
The third round of trilateral talks concluded in Geneva on February 18. While a date for the next session remains unconfirmed, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry indicated that both Kyiv and Moscow have agreed to continue the dialogue.
Zelenskyy expressed his intent to reach a final stage of negotiations by the end of February. However, he warned that Moscow continues to employ "delaying tactics" to stall the transition from military protocols to a lasting political settlement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
