Kiev Discusses Freezing Conflict Along Front Line
The Economist says Kiev and Washington are discussing a possible two-stage ceasefire, but Russia is unlikely to accept the plan in its current form.
Kiev is discussing with the United States a possible option for freezing the conflict along the current front line, but such a scheme in its present form does not suit Russia. The Economist reported this, citing informed sources.
According to the publication, contacts between the Ukrainian side and US authorities are taking place daily. In addition, unofficial talks with Moscow have also resumed.
One of the options under consideration involves a two-stage ceasefire. At first, this could mean limiting hostilities to a zone 50–70 kilometers wide on both sides of the front line, followed by an attempt to reach a broader agreement.
At the same time, a senior Ukrainian official admitted that at this stage Russia is unlikely to agree to such a truce. Kiev believes possible shifts may appear no earlier than October, when, according to its version, Moscow may allegedly want to help Donald Trump in the midterm elections and receive concessions in return.
However, on Bankovaya, the most likely scenario is still considered to be the continuation of hostilities at least until next spring.
This forecast is linked to the calculation that the Kremlin will rely on a winter campaign of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. According to Kiev’s version, such strikes are supposed to increase pressure on the Ukrainian side and force it to make concessions.