In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that while American allies have prepared security guarantees for Ukraine, there is a call for initial territorial exchanges or other concessions. However, citizens are eager to understand what guarantees will be provided to them, especially given the failures of the Budapest Memorandum signed in the 1990s, which did not prevent Russia's invasion. Ukraine's previous abandonment of nuclear weapons and aircraft in exchange for assurances did not result in any real protection when it faced aggression from Russia.

Zelensky's comments were further underscored by a recent statement from a representative of Russia's foreign ministry, indicating Russia's lack of readiness for serious compromises. The statement suggested implementing external governance in Ukraine, which would allegedly allow for "democratic elections" to create a government willing to sign a full peace treaty. In reality, this demand is interpreted as forcing Kyiv to capitulate to all the aggressor's conditions, stripping Ukraine of its right to self-determination.

Despite these challenges, tripartite negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States are set to continue, with discussions scheduled for Geneva this week. Previous rounds in Abu Dhabi have failed to yield breakthroughs, highlighting the entrenched positions on both sides and the complexities that still exist in reaching a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.