Zelensky’s implied willingness to negotiate with Russia

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in an interview published today (Sunday) about the possibility of negotiations with Russia: “Ukraine does not intend to negotiate directly with Russia, but it can use a trilateral agreement model similar to the grain agreement that It was done two years ago with the mediation of the United Nations and Turkey. 

According to the Kyiv Independent report, Zelensky further said: “This model can also be used for issues such as territorial integrity, energy and shipping.” 
At the same time, he emphasized that the peace talks should be based on his peace formula, which requires Russia to completely withdraw from Ukraine and pay compensation. 

In the last 10 days, this is the third time that the president of Ukraine implicitly talks about peace and negotiations with Russia. He had previously admitted in a rare statement that his country was not interested in prolonging the conflict amid the heavy toll of the war on Ukraine. He also said on Friday that Ukraine plans to present a detailed peace plan at the end of this year and wants to finally end the conflict.

Zelensky’s recent statements regarding peace and negotiation show a serious difference from his previous positions. In October 2022, Zelensky signed a law that prohibited any negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine’s army has suffered heavy casualties in recent months, and it is reported that some people eligible for military service are fleeing across the border. This country is facing a shortage of manpower and ammunition, and every day more war experts are calling for negotiations and an end to the war process in it.

Furthermore, Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky also says that after the debate of the US presidential candidates and Joe Biden’s poor performance, Zelensky’s office is panicked because Trump’s return to power will be a problem for him. 

Translator: Zahra Najafi