Ukraine Talks Have Stalled Over Territorial Disputes and Security Guarantees—Report to U.S. Congress

Negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine failed to produce either a ceasefire or a peace agreement because of disagreements over territorial issues and security guarantees. That is according to a report by the Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve submitted to the U.S. Congress.

The document states that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to maintain an unchanged position regarding territorial concessions.

“High-level meetings did not result in a ceasefire or peace agreement, and negotiations remained deadlocked over territorial disputes and security guarantees. President Zelensky continued to reiterate that Ukraine would not cede territory to Russia and that Ukraine requires security guarantees and a reliable, lasting peace,” the report states.

The inspector also notes that Russia continued to reject the idea of providing Ukraine with security guarantees.

According to the report, Ukrainian forces maintained an advantage in tactical intelligence through intelligence-sharing with Western allies. The support enabled advance warnings, improved targeting, and enhanced operational security for Ukrainian units.

At the same time, the authors of the report emphasize that the Russian military continues to hold strategic and operational advantages due to superior numbers of personnel and equipment.

“Despite this, Russian forces maintained their strategic and operational advantage over the Ukrainian Armed Forces through superiority in equipment and manpower,” the document states.

The report also points to continuing shortages of ammunition, equipment, and personnel in the Ukrainian military, limiting its ability to conduct large-scale offensive operations and retake territories occupied by Russia.

“Ukraine continued to face critical ammunition shortages and deficits in UAVs and related components… Ukrainian forces experienced declining capabilities in countering attacks by motorcycle units and infantry, maintaining fire support, and striking military targets, particularly at longer ranges,” the report says.