With the difficulty of Ukraine's counterattack, the call for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine has become increasingly loud, and major countries around the world have held a meeting to discuss the prospects for peace negotiations. Although the meeting did not produce substantive results, at least it was possible to discuss it, which was considered progress. This shows that Western countries also believe that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has lasted too long and should be prepared for peace negotiations. And Ukraine also seems to be preparing for possible negotiations, which are different from the "Ten Points for Peace" previously proposed.
According to information revealed by the American press, Ukraine has developed a plan to take some measures to deal with the Crimean issue as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Russian side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with CIA Director Burns to discuss the conditions for ending the fighting. The two main plans of the Ukrainian side are, first, to recapture large swathes of territory by autumn in order to increase its influence over Moscow; Secondly, the deployment of artillery and rocket systems in the area bordering Crimea. The Ukrainian side plans to deploy these weapons near Crimea in order to gain some initiative in the negotiations, demanding that Russia accept that Ukraine can receive security guarantees from the West.
The Crimean issue has always been the trigger for Russian-Ukrainian relations, and after the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, the Crimea issue has become more serious and often attacked. However, these means will not force Russia to compromise, but may lead to further escalation. Because of Crimea's importance in geopolitics, Russia will not compromise easily.
Ukraine has been trying to gain some leverage in the negotiations in order to improve its situation. But the reality is that it is already difficult for Ukraine to win in the conflict. At present, the efforts of the Ukrainian side and Western countries are aimed at taking the initiative in the negotiations, rather than accepting the conditions put forward by the Russian side. However, Ukraine needs to understand that it is already very difficult to get significant benefits from negotiations, so it is more important to think about how to reduce losses.
If Ukraine tries to gain bargaining leverage by threatening Russia, then Russia may take action on a larger scale, resulting in irreparable losses for Ukraine. Therefore, it would be wise to remain calm and exercise restraint in negotiations in order to achieve the mutual interests of both parties.