Ukraine’s official position favors ending the conflict along current battle lines, where its military has established layered defenses.
Another sensitive issue is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine, which is currently under Russian control. Both Moscow and Kyiv have expressed interest in jointly operating the facility with U.S. involvement, but each side insists on excluding the other. The U.S. has previously signaled interest in leading a joint nuclear management arrangement at the site.
Putin Signals Little Flexibility on Peace Talks
Despite renewed diplomatic energy, Russia appears unlikely to accept any peace terms beyond its own. During his annual marathon press conference on Dec. 19, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated long-standing demands, chief among them complete control over four disputed regions in Ukraine.
As one analyst quoted by European media put it, “The Kremlin’s position suggests negotiations are acceptable only if they ratify gains Russia has not secured on the battlefield.” That stance has fueled skepticism among experts who fear that Peace Talks may stall regardless of U.S. and Ukrainian progress.
Battlefield Developments Strengthen Kyiv’s Hand
While diplomats talk, fighting continues—particularly around the northeastern city of Kupyansk, a strategic rail and road hub in the Kharkiv region. According to reports from The Kyiv Post (https://www.kyivpost.com), Russian forces appear close to being pushed out of the city, with only several dozen isolated troops remaining.
