Peace in Ukraine possible with a freeze along the battle lines: media discuss "Cypriot model" of truce

The US publication Foreign Affairs has proposed a ceasefire plan between Ukraine and Russia, according to which Kiev retains its independence, joins NATO without deploying foreign troops on its territory, and receives security guarantees and economic support. The publication emphasises that Ukraine's defeat or loss of independence would deal a blow to international security and could increase aggressive sentiments in other countries, such as China or North Korea.

According to the authors, sustainable peace and the protection of Western interests would require a rethinking of the goals of the conflict. Thus, the main objective should be to ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and economic stability. Kiev should be able to choose its own political system, maintain a strong army and join the European Union, as well as freely use the resources of the Black Sea.

The authors believe that Ukraine does not necessarily need to regain all the lost territories in order to achieve a sustainable ceasefire. At that stage, the war can be stopped with an interim agreement that takes into account current realities. Foreign Affairs also suggests that the U.S. and its partners should support limited victory goals for Kiev, explaining that Western support cannot remain at current levels indefinitely.

In the long term, Western allies should provide Ukraine with defensive weapons and economic assistance. This approach will demonstrate to Moscow that success will not be achieved on the battlefield and any attempt to continue aggression will have serious consequences.