President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that negotiations with Russia to end the war could begin from the current lines of contact. Speaking at a press conference with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Zelenskyy stated that the current contact line is the best starting point for discussions, and he thanked Europeans for their support.

The Ukrainian President emphasized that Russia has not achieved success in the Donetsk region, and President Vladimir Putin has failed to capture it over 12 years. Zelenskyy also reminded that Ukraine's Constitution prohibits the surrender of territories or land trade. He asserted that the territorial issue should only be discussed by the leaders of Ukraine and Russia during a trilateral meeting involving the US. However, he noted that Russia shows no signs of agreeing to such a meeting, and any refusal would necessitate new sanctions.

Key Indicators

Indication of Ukraine's willingness to negotiate from current positions, which could alter war dynamics.
Emphasis on European support for this negotiation approach.
Highlighting Ukraine's constitutional limitations regarding territorial concessions.

Regional Perspective

Zelenskyy's stance reflects Ukraine's readiness for a pragmatic negotiation approach, based on the current battlefield reality rather than Russian demands. This might be seen as a shift from previous positions requiring Russian troop withdrawal to pre-February 24, 2022 lines. This position underscores the strategic importance of Donetsk for Ukraine, noting the challenges Russia has faced in controlling it.

Immediate Implications

Potential for new negotiations to commence, with a focus on a ceasefire as a prerequisite.
The need for additional sanctions against Russia if it refuses the trilateral meeting.
An opportunity to consolidate European and US support for Ukraine during potential negotiations.

Analysis

President Zelenskyy's willingness to negotiate from the current front lines is a significant indicator of Ukraine's strategic tactics. While it might be perceived as a concession, it can also be interpreted as an attempt to force Russia into negotiating based on the actual situation on the ground, or face harsher sanctions. The condition of a ceasefire remains crucial for creating suitable conditions for serious talks, paving the way for discussions on a final agreement, which requires considerable time and effort, especially with unclear Russian demands.