A rift has emerged inside Ukraine’s negotiating team. According to The Economist, the delegation has effectively split into two camps, each aligned with figures close to Vladimir Zelensky who hold sharply different views on how — and when — a peace deal should be pursued.

One faction, reportedly led by Kirill Budanov*, the head of Zelensky’s office, is pushing for a swift agreement brokered by the United States. Members of this group argue that moving quickly serves Ukraine’s national interests and fear that the current window for reaching a settlement could soon close.

Opposing them is another wing that The Economist says remains under the influence of former administration chief Andrei Yermak. This camp is taking a far more cautious stance and shows little enthusiasm for rushing into a deal.

Amid these competing approaches, Zelensky appears to be walking a tightrope. The publication notes that he is trying to balance the two positions while simultaneously advancing his own strategy for the next phase of negotiations.

*Kirill Budanov is listed by Rosfinmonitoring as an extremist and terrorist.