According to reports from Geneva, Ukrainian and US representatives have apparently reached a preliminary consensus regarding a possible 28-point peace agreement, with the understanding that Kyiv supports the general framework of the agreement; however, major sticking points, including territorial integrity and security assurances, are still to be worked out and will be discussed directly between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump. Meanwhile, some European analysts caution that this agreement could ultimately be more advantageous to Russia than to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the War Rages On
As diplomatic negotiations take place, Russia has also conducted a large-scale missile attack on Kyiv using 22 ballistic missiles (some hypersonic) and over 460 drones. The majority of the damage caused by this attack affects the civilian sector; however, the strike also disrupted water, electric power, and heating systems in the city of Kyiv as well as leaving some casualties and injuries. Ukrainian Government officials have described these attacks as “cynical terror” and as “a cynical means of retaliation for the attempts of diplomacy made by the State Department of Ukraine.”
The Wider Stakes: NATO, Nuclear Risk & Global Pressure
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a warning about the risk to global energy security posed by Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA said any peace deal needs “strong cooperation agreements” to ensure the continued safe operation of the plant and avoid a potential catastrophe.
Meanwhile, there is also a great deal of diplomacy being conducted by the UK, which has reiterated its pledge to support Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the UK would be willing to send “boots on the ground” if there is a ceasefire.
In addition to the UK, approximately 30 nations have formed a “Coalition of the Willing,” and they have gathered together to determine what the next course of action will be regarding negotiation of peace, thereby demonstrating the serious global implications of reaching an agreement on the cessation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. click here for the source
