US, Russia Ukraine Peace Deal Hinges on Territory, NATO, War Responsibility

Details have emerged in some media outlets regarding a secretly negotiated '28-point' peace agreement between the US and Russia concerning Ukraine. The agreement reportedly addresses key contentious issues: territorial integrity, NATO relations, and assigning responsibility for the war. It purportedly includes a specific roadmap for reintegrating Russia into the international financial and trade systems.

Notably, regarding war responsibility, the agreement is said to include a clause stating, "All parties involved in the conflict will receive mutual immunity for actions during the war, and no further reparations or lawsuits will be filed."

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly expressed a positive stance, stating that the US proposal could "serve as the basis for a final agreement." In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep concern via a Telegram video message on November 22, highlighting the dilemma posed by the 28 points.

Leaders of major European nations, as well as Japan and Canada, also issued a joint statement on the same day expressing concerns about the proposed peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for careful review of the agreement's content. US President Donald Trump has reportedly demanded that Zelenskyy accept the peace proposal by November 27. Senior officials from the US, Europe, and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23 to hold in-depth discussions on the peace plan jointly prepared by the US and Russia.

The core sticking points within the 28-point agreement are Ukraine's territorial integrity and NATO membership. Russia seeks to block Ukraine's accession to NATO and gain recognition of its claims to occupied territories. Conversely, Ukraine prioritizes the preservation of its territorial integrity and maintains that NATO membership is an inherent right of a sovereign nation.

President Zelenskyy has emphasized, "No territorial concessions can be tolerated, and no agreement contrary to the will of the Ukrainian people can be accepted." The issue of war responsibility is also expected to be a major obstacle to reaching an agreement. Russia seeks to avoid accountability through a mutual immunity clause, but Ukraine and Western nations demand a clear determination of responsibility for Russia's aggression and demand just compensation for damages.

The international community has offered diverse opinions on the US-Russia agreement. Some experts positively assess the peace efforts by the two countries, while others point out that an agreement that does not reflect Ukraine's will cannot guarantee sustainable peace. Still others argue that "this agreement is not a complete solution, but it can be a starting point for negotiations," and that "related countries should seek mutually acceptable solutions through constructive dialogue."

The outcome of the upcoming meeting in Geneva between US, European, and Ukrainian officials is expected to be a critical turning point in the Ukraine peace negotiations.