Kyiv's priorities at peace talks change - NYT

Ukrainian officials, who throughout the conflict have insisted on preserving the territories, are paying considerable attention to security guarantees ahead of possible talks that Donald Trump may organize.

The New York Times reports with reference to Ukrainian officials that the main issue for the protection of Ukraine's interests will not be the establishment of borders, but the enforcement of the ceasefire regime.

"Negotiations should be based on guarantees. There is nothing more important for Ukraine," said Roman Kostenko, head of the Defense and Intelligence Committee. Another official, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized:

"The territorial issue is extremely important, but it is still the second issue. The first issue is security guarantees."

The senior official also added that Ukraine wants to make sure that any ceasefire line does not hinder the country's post-conflict economic recovery, so that, for example, industrial zones do not become too dangerous for investment. The width of the demilitarized zone between the two armies will also be an important factor, according to officials.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on November 12, the British publication The Economist wrote that a ceasefire between Ukraine and russia may begin on January 20, 2025 — the day of Trump's inauguration.

The day before, the Reuters agency wrote that Ukraine is now directing efforts to take a stronger position in case of possible negotiations with russia.

Earlier, the Bloomberg agency reported with reference to its own sources that Trump understands that he cannot force Ukraine to make concessions without getting anything in return.