Informal contacts with russia, between Ukraine and the team of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a possible end to the war, have resumed. Among the options being discussed is a two-stage ceasefire with the introduction of a buffer zone along the front line. The Economist reports, writes UNN.
Details
According to the publication, after the G7 summit in the French town of Évian, signs have emerged that the diplomatic process regarding the war in Ukraine could gain new momentum.
"The Economist understands that informal negotiations with russia have resumed, and daily contacts are taking place between Ukraine and the Trump team," the article states.
According to the publication's sources, "one of the ideas being discussed is a two-stage ceasefire."
The first stage, according to the publication, involves "limiting hostilities to a zone of 50-70 km on both sides of the front line."
After this, the parties could move to the second stage – a "broader agreement."
The publication notes that two theses, actively promoted by the Ukrainian side, are gradually gaining strength in Washington: russia cannot be trusted, and Ukraine is not losing the war but, on the contrary, is holding the front and in some places improving its positions.
In particular, the authors of the article draw attention to the Ukrainian strike on an oil refinery on the outskirts of moscow, which took place on June 18.
"Such operations are noticed in the USA," notes The Economist.
The publication also believes that the resolution of the conflict around Iran and a possible decrease in global oil prices create additional pressure on the kremlin, as they deprive russia of significant additional revenues from energy exports.
At the same time, the journalists emphasize that it is still premature to talk about a quick end to the war.
According to a high-ranking Ukrainian official cited by the publication, russia is unlikely to take serious steps before October. Another scenario is that the kremlin will drag out time until next spring, hoping to force Kyiv into concessions through a winter campaign of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
The Economist also emphasizes that all possible agreements currently remain the subject of informal consultations, and none of the parties has publicly confirmed the existence of a specific plan regarding a buffer zone or a two-stage truce.