Ukrainian delegation split on U.S.–Russia peace talks, report says
Ukraine–U.S.–Russia peace talks in Geneva, Feb. 17 (Photo: Rustem Umerov / Telegram)
The Ukrainian negotiating team is split into two wings with
differing views on a potential U.S.–mediated peace deal with Russia, The
Economist reported
on Feb. 17.
Foreign Correspondent Oliver Carroll writes that head of the President’s Office and former HUR chief Kyrylo Budanov favors using the apparent window of opportunity to end the war with a demilitarized “free economic zone” in Donbas under the supervision of U.S. President Donald Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace.” Budanov’s predecessor, Andriy Yermak, reportedly insists on holding out for better terms and still exerts considerable influence over the other half of the delegation .
“One wing, centered on Mr. Budanov, believes Ukraine’s interests are best served by a swift American-led agreement, and fears the window for action may soon close,” the article said.
“But another wing, apparently still influenced by the controversial former chief of staff Andriy Yermak, who departed in a corruption scandal, is much less keen. [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy appears to be balancing between them, while also having his own ideas.”
One source close to the negotiating team told The Economist the odds of a breakthrough at the ongoing trilateral talks in Geneva were "50-50."
Carroll points out that the “free economic zone” solution is dubious in legal terms: it would require the United States to recognize Russian occupation of Ukraine’s sovereign territory, in direct contradiction with U.S. law.
The Geneva round of negotiations is scheduled run through Feb.
18, with officials from key European states present at the meetings without
direct participation.
Will you support Ukraine’s free press?
Dear reader, as all news organizations, we must balance the pressures of delivering timely, accurate, and relevant stories with requirements to fund our business operations.
As a Ukrainian-based media, we also have another responsibility – to amplify Ukraine’s voice to the world during the crucial moment of its existence as a political nation.
It’s the support of our readers that lets us continue doing our job. We keep our essential reporting free because we believe in our ultimate purpose: an independent, democratic Ukraine.
If you’re willing to support Ukraine, consider subscribing to our Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Please help us continue fighting Russian propaganda.
Truth can be hard to tell from fiction these days. Every viewpoint has its audience of backers and supporters, no matter how absurd.
If conscious disinformation is reinforced by state propaganda apparatus and budget, its outcomes may become deadly.
There is no solution to this, other than independent, honest, and accurate reporting.
We remain committed to empowering the Ukrainian voice to push against the muck. If you’re willing to stand up for the truth – consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. Thank you very much.
Will you help tell Ukraine’s story to the world?
Twenty years ago, most people hadn’t even heard of Ukraine. Today, the country is on everyone’s lips and everyone’s headlines. War pushed us on the front page. But there are many other things we do that we are proud of – from music and culture to technology.
We need your help to tell the world Ukrainian story of resilience, joy, and survival. If you’re willing to back our effort, consider supporting us on Patreon starting from 5$ per month. We are immensely grateful.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google News
