'Options being discussed are not favorable to Ukraine': diplomat on ceasefire scenarios

Diplomat Oleh Shamshur discussed this on Espreso TV.

“If we look at the situation as it stands now, and at the issues being discussed in general, I would say that everyone is focused on a ceasefire. None of us have complete information about the situation at the front, so the decision on whether a ceasefire is needed or not rests with the president and the military leadership. At the same time, we must always remember that a ceasefire along the contact line is effectively a territorial division of Ukraine, a de facto fixation of a new state border,” the diplomat commented.

According to him, a ceasefire and a certain armistice would mean that this phase of the war might end, but it would serve as a prelude to a new wave of Russian aggression, which would likely affect not only Ukraine but also other countries protected under Article 5 guarantees.

“Any options currently being discussed are not favorable for Ukraine. Our European friends should have made the extra efforts they spoke about regarding a scenario of Russia’s defeat. It should be noted that Russia’s economy has finally begun to falter, and despite advances, the enemy is suffering huge losses. Increasing arms supplies to Ukraine could significantly affect the situation. A large package of measures in Ukraine would provide an opportunity to change the situation and take at least part of the strategic initiative away from Putin. Without this, he will continue trying to dictate the terms. I hope that Trump might draw realistic conclusions after this meeting with Putin - that is, there is hope, but absolutely no certainty,” Shamshur concluded.

Trump–Putin meeting: background

On August 8, the U.S. president announced that he would meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the state of Alaska on Friday, August 15.

European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas said that Putin wants to appear as if he is negotiating and delay sanctions at the meeting with Trump.

On August 12, Zelenskyy stated that the upcoming meeting between U.S. leader Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska could only be important for bilateral relations between the two countries — they cannot make decisions regarding Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov about the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Lavrov will also take part in the meeting in Alaska.

The White House clarified that the summit between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will take place in Anchorage, Alaska, likely at a U.S. military base.

On August 13, online talks were held in Berlin between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and EU leaders.

That same day, it became known that Donald Trump intends to discuss sanctions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Alaska.

On August 14, Putin’s side made a number of statements about the summit with Trump, including when the talks are scheduled, their program, and who will be part of the Russian delegation.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the meeting with the Russian leader in Alaska will be an opportunity for Donald Trump “to look Putin in the eye and see the progress” that can be made toward a settlement in Ukraine.