Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with US President Donald Trump’s Special Representative for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, in Washington D.C. on August 18, 2025.
Ukrainian Presidency | Anadolu | Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump’s outgoing envoy to Ukraine has indicated that a potential resolution to the longstanding conflict in Ukraine may be closer than ever. General Keith Kellogg stated that the negotiations hinge on two critical issues: the status of Ukraine’s Donbas region and the future operations of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. The significance of these points cannot be overstated, as they have long been at the heart of the territorial disputes that have fueled this devastating war since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The conflict in Ukraine, the bloodiest European war since World War Two, stands as a focal point in geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West. It is vital for global stability and international relations that a conclusion is reached, not just for Ukraine, but for the reassurance of global security frameworks that are being tested in light of these hostilities.
General Kellogg, who is set to retire in January, shared insights at the Reagan National Defense Forum, explaining that the peace talks are now at a critical juncture, referred to as the “last 10 metres,” where negotiations often become the most complicated. Emphasizing the importance of resolving the territorial concerns surrounding the Donbas and the management of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, he expressed optimism, stating, “We’re really, really close.” This hopeful sentiment, however, comes amidst the grim backdrop of over two million casualties, including both military and civilian deaths, a staggering toll that underscores the urgency for a negotiated peace.
The conflict has created a deeply complex situation in the regions affected, as Russia currently occupies a significant portion of Ukraine, including the Crimean peninsula seized in 2014. The intricate power dynamics in Eastern Europe, characterized by territorial tensions, competing narratives about casualties, and profoundly different regional interests further complicate peace negotiations. Recently leaked U.S. draft proposals for peace have also raised eyebrows, with many in Ukraine and Europe alarmed at potential concessions to Russia that could undermine their sovereignty and military autonomy. Key points from these drafts suggest that the Zaporizhzhia plant might be restarted under International Atomic Energy Agency oversight, raising concerns about energy security and control.
The implications of these developments are vast. Should negotiations succeed, they could lead to an end to hostilities, allowing for a period of rebuilding and reconciliation in Ukraine. However, unresolved territorial disputes and the management of critical infrastructure like the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant pose ongoing risks. Continued dialogue, coupled with international oversight, may be necessary to ensure that both Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security are maintained. Furthermore, the potential involvement of influential figures, such as Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in the negotiation process, could shift the dynamics in favor of a resolution, depending on how these relationships influence the outcome.
In conclusion, the path to peace in Ukraine is fraught with challenges but also offers a glimmer of hope as negotiations progress. The stakes remain high not just for Ukraine but for the stability of Europe and beyond. As parties continue to navigate these delicate talks, what further compromises might be necessary to achieve peace? Will the humanitarian costs drive both sides toward a conclusive resolution? How might international collaboration be strengthened to support Ukraine’s recovery in the aftermath of this war?
Editorial content by Avery Redwood
