“Guarantees that would prevent Russia from launching another attack on Ukraine after a ceasefire are vital for Ukraine. The problem is that Russia does not consider any scenario for Ukraine other than capitulation. Therefore, every concession made by Ukraine — such as renouncing NATO membership or agreeing to freeze the conflict — will be followed by further Russian demands”

Nataliya Butyrska, Associate Senior Fellow at the New Europe Center, commented on the Berlin negotiations on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine in an interview with Merkur.de.

The expert explains that the Berlin talks should not be overestimated: they are preparatory discussions rather than negotiations capable of delivering immediate results. At the same time, she stresses that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing growing pressure from two sides — from Russia, which continues its military aggression, and from the United States, which is pushing for a rapid agreement.

Read more here (in German).