In a significant development that could signal a potential end to the protracted conflict, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has stated that a peace deal for Ukraine may be just weeks away. This assessment follows his recent discussions with key NATO leaders.
US Security Guarantees and the Troop Question
Tusk revealed that the United States, under the current administration, is now prepared to offer substantial security guarantees to Kyiv. This offer could potentially include the deployment of American troops, though their role would be limited to positions on the border or the contact line, not as active combatants on the front. This marks a notable shift in the Western stance and is aimed at providing a robust security umbrella for a post-war Ukraine.
However, this proposition stands in direct contrast to the position of former President Donald Trump, who has publicly and consistently rejected any notion of putting "US boots on the ground" in the context of the Ukraine war. This divergence highlights the complex political landscape influencing the peace process.
The Difficult Path of Territorial Compromise
Prime Minister Tusk also addressed the most contentious issue in any potential settlement: territory. He indicated that for a lasting peace to be achieved, Ukraine may need to make compromises regarding its occupied lands. One suggested mechanism for this difficult decision is a referendum, which would allow the Ukrainian people to have a direct say in the matter.
This suggestion acknowledges the hard reality on the ground while attempting to balance national sovereignty with the urgent need to stop the bloodshed. The idea is likely to be met with fierce debate within Ukraine and among its staunchest allies.
Escalating Tensions and the Road Ahead
The timing of these revelations is critical. They come amidst a sharp escalation in tensions following an alleged Ukrainian drone attack near President Vladimir Putin's residence. Moscow has warned that this incident will cause it to harden its negotiating stance, potentially complicating the very diplomacy Tusk is referencing.
The Polish leader's comments, made on December 31, 2025, paint a picture of a diplomatic flurry working against the clock. While he expresses cautious optimism that a deal is within reach in a matter of weeks, the path remains fraught with obstacles. The conflicting signals from Washington, the unresolved territorial question, and Russia's reaction to recent events all contribute to an unpredictable and volatile situation.
The international community, including India which has called for dialogue and diplomacy since the beginning, will be watching closely to see if these talks can materialize into a concrete and just peace plan, or if the window of opportunity will close as quickly as it seemed to open.
