Changes in the Office of the President, US pressure and the electoral factor: why peace in Ukraine still remains elusive
фото: facebook В.Смірнов
The war in Ukraine remains without a clear end in sight as of early 2026. Despite active diplomatic efforts, domestic political changes, and international pressure, a peace agreement has yet to be reached.
This is reported by The Guardian .
Journalists noted that the war has been going on for almost 4 years, and its end remains uncertain. In his New Year’s address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he would be ready to talk about the imminent arrival of peace, but that this is currently impossible.
The President also emphasized that the potential peace agreement is 90% ready, but the remaining 10% is crucial to the outcome of the negotiations.
“These 10% contain, in essence, everything,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Journalists noted that almost a year has passed since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, who promised to end the war in 24 hours, but this did not happen . The end of 2025, according to the publication, was accompanied by an intensification of diplomatic processes.
According to journalists, a plan prepared by the US and Russia, which provided for Ukraine’s abandonment of Donbas, has appeared in the public space. It is noted that the Ukrainian side, together with its European partners, did not support such proposals.
Separately, the publication described internal personnel changes in Ukraine. Journalists reported that Kyrylo Budanov was appointed head of the President’s Office after the resignation of Andriy Yermak. This decision may indicate a change in approaches to the negotiation process.
Journalists noted that Budanov has contacts with Western intelligence agencies, as well as channels of communication with Russia on humanitarian issues, in particular regarding the exchange of prisoners.
Analysts also drew attention to the domestic political factor . The publication notes that 2026 is a difficult year for Zelensky due to the end of the formal five-year term of office and the impossibility of holding elections during martial law. According to the journalists, this situation is being used as a tool of pressure by the United States and Russia.
The article states that Zelenskyy’s possible political rival remains Valery Zaluzhny, who currently serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom. At the same time, journalists note that he is not actively campaigning.
A separate block of material is devoted to the mood in society . Journalists noted that at the beginning of 2026, psychological fatigue from the war is growing in Ukraine, and some citizens are ready to consider compromise scenarios for ending the hostilities.
Experts also cited the position of People’s Deputy Sergei Rakhmanin, who outlined the conditions for a real chance for peace: increased support from Europe, stabilization of the front, and worsening of the economic situation in Russia.
“If these three factors come together, then anything can work out, even with Trump’s position. But if even one of them doesn’t work in our favor, it will be extremely difficult,” said Sergei Rakhmanin.
The day before, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined the details of new negotiations to end the war and named the next steps that the Ukrainian side is preparing together with partners from Europe and the United States.
As previously reported, the United States stated that on New Year’s Eve , negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war had reached a critical phase.
As a reminder, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz , during which the parties discussed the results of the meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with US President Donald Trump and his team in Florida.
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