Tổng thống Ukraine: Is Negotiating with Russia Back on the Table?

adminMarch 31, 2024

Tổng thống Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has recently indicated that the restoration of Ukraine’s 1991 border, previously seen as a prerequisite for peace negotiations with Russia, is no longer a non-negotiable condition. Despite pushing his own “peace formula,” Zelensky has opened the door for talks without insisting on the restoration of the pre-1991 borders.

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A Shift in Stance

Zelensky previously banned any negotiations with Russian officials in 2022, after Russia unilaterally held a referendum to annex four regions of Ukraine. Since then, he has garnered support from Western nations for a 10-point peace formula, which includes Russia’s withdrawal of troops and the restoration of Ukraine’s 1991 borders, including Crimea, as well as financial compensation and other conditions from Moscow.

However, in a recent interview with CBS, Zelensky stated that it is not necessary to regain the territories “by military means.” Instead, he suggests that Ukraine should restore the status quo as of 2022, with minimal military forces.

The Kremlin’s Response

The Kremlin emphasized its readiness for meaningful negotiations, attributing the lack of diplomatic breakthroughs to the Ukrainian government’s refusal to accept the realities on the ground. The most recent talks between Moscow and Kiev, held in Istanbul, Turkey, in the spring of 2022, collapsed as both sides presented unrealistic demands.

According to RT, Ukrainian representatives initially agreed to some terms proposed by Moscow but abruptly abandoned the agreement. This change in stance was reportedly influenced by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, who advised Kiev to reject a ceasefire and “keep fighting,” with full support from the West.

Assessing Macron’s Statements

In related developments, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that French President Emmanuel Macron’s statements about Western military involvement in Ukraine were aimed at “boosting Macron’s declining domestic credibility.” Lavrov also mentioned that NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and other leaders within the alliance reminded Macron that decisions within the bloc are made collectively.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine would not change the situation and warned of “dire consequences” resulting from such a move.

In Conclusion

As Ukraine’s President Zelensky softens his stance on the restoration of pre-1991 borders, the possibility of renewed negotiations with Russia emerges. The international community will closely monitor any developments in the ongoing conflict, with hopes for a peaceful resolution that respects the interests of all parties involved.