US envoy Kushner: If Ukraine agreed to give up territory demanded by Putin, we would already have a deal

What Happened

US special envoy Jared Kushner stated on 12 September at the YES forum in Kyiv that a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine is largely prepared, contingent primarily on Ukraine's willingness to cede territory currently demanded by Russian ruler Vladimir Putin. Kushner described the US role as seeking a 'creative solution' to freeze the conflict, suggesting that territorial resolutions should be dictated by the situation on the battlefield rather than prior international borders.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The remarks highlight a significant divergence between the current US mediation strategy, which prioritizes a rapid cessation of hostilities through potential territorial compromise, and the Ukrainian government's stated position on sovereignty. The focus on 'freezing' the conflict rather than addressing the underlying causes of the invasion underscores the pressure on Kyiv to accept current front-line realities as the basis for a long-term settlement.

Watch For

Monitor upcoming diplomatic engagements between the US delegation and both Kyiv and Moscow regarding the 'right formula' for a potential ceasefire. Observe whether the Ukrainian government shifts its stance on territorial integrity in response to US pressure, and track any changes in the intensity of Russian air strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure during these ongoing negotiations.