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Geneva is set to host a new round of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian representatives, with a U.S. Delegation also participating, as Kyiv seeks firm security assurances from its allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned against pursuing compromises with Russia without first establishing clear guarantees for Ukraine’s future security, referencing a deep-seated distrust stemming from past international agreements, notably the Budapest Memorandum.

Zelensky, in a series of posts on social media, questioned the value of concessions made by a nation under attack. He reminded his audience that Ukraine relinquished its nuclear arsenal and other military equipment in 1994 in exchange for assurances of sovereignty and independence, guarantees that ultimately proved insufficient. “we no longer have these weapons and we do not have security guarantees. No one saved our independence,” he stated, acknowledging widespread Ukrainian fears that Russia could seek to reassert control.

The core concern for Ukrainians, Zelensky emphasized, isn’t whether Russia will return, but “what will happen when it does.” Citizens are demanding clarity on the specifics of the security guarantees being offered by the United States and European partners, and what “price” Ukraine might be asked to pay for them. Reports suggest that some U.S. Officials have discussed a potential exchange of territory as a condition for security assurances, a prospect Zelensky has signaled Kyiv is unwilling to accept.

“I think security guarantees come first,” Zelensky said, asserting that Ukraine will not agree to a compromise that allows Moscow to “quickly recover and return to occupy” Ukrainian territory. He believes a formal document outlining security guarantees, approved by the U.S. Congress, would send a “strong signal” to the Ukrainian population about the enduring support of the U.S. And Europe in the event of renewed Russian aggression.

Concerns Over Territorial Concessions

Zelensky warned that allowing Russia to retain any territorial gains would be a “big mistake,” arguing it would encourage further Russian offensives. He pointed to historical precedents where failing to firmly address aggression has emboldened aggressors. “In five years, it will have rebuilt its forces,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing the demand for any resolution to prevent the conditions for future Russian aggression. According to reporting from the BBC, discussions are ongoing regarding potential peace deal terms, with a first plan backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump drawing criticism for being too favorable to Moscow.

Calls for Expanded Sanctions Against Russia

Alongside security guarantees, Zelensky called for “total” sanctions against Russia’s energy sector. He welcomed measures taken by the Trump administration against Lukoil and Rosneft, but urged Washington to extend these sanctions to encompass the entire energy sector, including nuclear energy, as a “serious signal to Europeans.”

Zelensky also criticized the European Union for not yet sanctioning Russia’s nuclear industry or the state-owned Rosatom, as well as individuals linked to these entities who he claims benefit from revenue generated in Europe and the United States. He called on these individuals to “return to Russia,” alleging they are living, studying, or owning property in the West thanks to profits from the Russian energy sector.

Geneva as a Potential Venue for Broader Talks

The push for security guarantees comes as international efforts to facilitate direct talks between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin gain momentum. French President Emmanuel Macron has suggested Geneva as a neutral location for a potential summit between the two leaders, as reported by Le Monde. Macron indicated that the summit would be held in Europe, potentially in Switzerland, following meetings with U.S. And European leaders in Washington.

Volodymyr Zelensky, born January 25, 1978, in Kryvyi Rih, Ukrainian SSR (USSR), currently serves as the President of Ukraine, having assumed office on May 20, 2019, according to Wikipedia. His background includes a career as an actor, comedian, and producer before entering politics.

What to Watch Next

As the Ukrainian delegation engages in negotiations in Geneva, the focus will be on whether concrete progress can be made towards establishing credible security guarantees for Ukraine. The outcome of these talks, and the willingness of the U.S. And its allies to address Zelensky’s concerns, will be crucial in shaping the future trajectory of the conflict and the long-term security landscape of Eastern Europe. The coming days will reveal whether a diplomatic path forward can be forged, or if the conflict is destined to continue.

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