The topic of ending the war in Ukraine and initiating peace negotiations is increasingly discussed among Ukrainian and Western politicians. The discussions intensified following the statement by newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a meeting with the Kremlin dictator. This was reported by Kontrakty.UA.
Europe supports Ukraine's position, with many Europeans vying for a seat at the future negotiation table.
For more details, read the article from TSN.ua.
Kremlin's Stance
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia will not agree to ceasefire proposals that only involve freezing Ukraine's NATO membership for 20 years, reports the American publication Fox News.
On his part, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin questions the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government and claims that only new elections can create conditions for negotiations. However, even under these circumstances, he is not prepared to concede positions.
According to the publication, Russia sets the following conditions for potential negotiations to end the war against Ukraine:
- Recognition of the territories occupied by Russia, including Crimea;
- Legal guarantees of Ukraine's neutral status with no prospects for NATO membership;
- Lifting of Western sanctions;
- Ceasing any support for Ukraine from the West.
This could complicate the search for compromises for the team of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump.
It was noted that the Kremlin continues to insist on its own terms, and its aggressive stance makes the prospect of a peaceful resolution even more distant.
Similar assumptions are made by the publication Bloomberg. They note that Putin is becoming increasingly confident in his battlefield advantage in Ukraine. Therefore, he intends to achieve his goal of ensuring that Kyiv never joins NATO and that restrictions are placed on its military potential.
"The Kremlin maintains that while individual NATO members may continue to supply weapons to Ukraine under bilateral security agreements, this weaponry should not be used against Russia or for territorial capture," a source familiar with Moscow's preparations for possible negotiations reported.
The publication also mentions that Russia will demand the preservation of at least de facto control over nearly 20% of Ukraine's territory currently under occupation, including the Crimean Peninsula, during negotiations.
On its part, the Kremlin made a scandalous statement regarding future negotiations, claiming that by 2025 Ukraine will allegedly "cease to exist entirely".
When Will Negotiations Take Place
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has begun to express readiness for negotiations to end the war, reports The Washington Post. The publication emphasizes that Ukraine needs guarantees of long-term security.
Some politicians "are starting to believe" that the war could indeed end by 2025. This is linked to the increased discussions of a peace agreement following Trump's election.
One of the world's leading broadcasters, CNN, notes that negotiations with Moscow could take place in the first half of 2025, regardless of who wins the U.S. elections.
Sky News correspondent Ivor Bennett, who works in Russia, stated that hostilities in Ukraine are likely to cease completely by 2025. By May 9, the Kremlin hopes to conclude negotiations regarding Ukraine.
"I predict that the war in Ukraine will end in 2025. Or, more precisely: hostilities will cease, and the conflict will be frozen," he noted.
Trump's advisors indicate that a peace agreement with Ukraine could not be reached earlier than a few months.
Many Western experts believe that reaching an agreement for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia could be a difficult yet sensible move for Vladimir Putin. This could provide Russia with "independence" and restore its relations with Western countries, writes the New York Post.
Who Wants to Sit at the Future Negotiation Table
Western politicians are actively debating the format of future negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and who will be able to sit at the table.
Diplomats note that there are currently no specific plans on paper. However, the situation may change after Trump's inauguration.
Most EU leaders have made it clear that they want to avoid a limited forum like "Minsk," which would exclude a wide range of interests from the entire bloc.
Europeans in contact with Trump's entourage insist on the necessity of continuing American military aid to strengthen Ukraine's position in negotiations.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated that Austria, as a neutral country, could serve as a venue for potential peace negotiations, reports NV.
According to Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, EU leaders also believe it will be "almost impossible" for Trump to exclude Europe from decisions regarding Ukraine.
For its part, Poland wants to participate in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and has stated this directly.
"We also talked, ladies and gentlemen, about possible peace negotiations. I say 'potentially' because peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are not currently underway. But we discussed possible peace negotiations," said Polish President Andrzej Duda at a joint press conference with Zelensky on January 15.
"About Ukraine Without Ukraine"
Former Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin stated that negotiations regarding Ukraine's future may already be taking place without its participation.
According to the diplomat, the maxim "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," which he helped to formulate, may be ignored today.
"It is very important to understand that decisions about us should not be made without us, and we need to be part of those decisions. But discussions will certainly happen without us. And I am convinced that they are already being talked about through various unofficial, non-public channels," Klimkin emphasized.
The diplomat noted that Ukraine could find itself facing a ready document agreed upon without its involvement.
No Platform for Negotiations Exists
The Russian dictator only needs full control over Ukraine. This was stated by journalist Vitaliy Portnikov on "Radio Free Europe."
In his opinion, if the U.S. grants such control to Russia, it will be a "major foreign policy defeat."
According to him, the U.S. may hope that Putin will be satisfied with something much less. For example:
- Territorial control over the territories he has already seized;
- Promises that Ukraine will not join NATO.
Portnikov noted that there is no platform for real agreements.
The journalist believes that putting Putin at the negotiating table could result from imposing sanctions against Russian oil and gas giants, tankers transporting Russian oil, and Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil depots.
What They Say in Ukraine
Ukraine does not change its position regarding direct negotiations with Putin.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, which prohibits direct negotiations with Putin, is still in effect.
Sybiha had also previously stated that Ukraine is working with its allies to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, stated that there is no pressure on Kyiv to achieve a swift peace agreement with Moscow.
"There is no pressure on us. It is very important not to manipulate the term 'peace.' We are talking about a comprehensive, sustainable, long-lasting peace for Ukraine. This is very important, and it is an inseparable understanding of a just peace," the diplomat said.
No Backstage Negotiations Will Occur
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is not conducting backchannel negotiations with Russia. Furthermore, there cannot be any negotiations with the Russians without Ukraine's participation.
"Ukraine is not conducting any behind-the-scenes talks with Russia; this is not in our interests. Because for us, losing the trust of our partners is undoubtedly a significant risk," Zelensky emphasized.
At the same time, the president stressed that Kyiv will respond decisively if any country conducts such negotiations behind the backs of Ukrainians.
Earlier, Zelensky noted that discussions would