Credits: Daily Mail
The Kremlin has expressed a willingness to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine but outlined several significant hurdles that need to be addressed first, including the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and specific Ukrainian legal constraints. During a press briefing on Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov detailed the prerequisites for potential talks, emphasizing the complexities involved.
Key Issues to Resolve
Peskov highlighted the necessity of clarifying Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations and whether Kiev has the backing of its Western allies. He noted the mixed messages from Ukraine’s sponsors regarding their willingness to support peace talks with Russia. “We need to gauge the Ukrainian side’s readiness and whether it has received authorization from its supporters,” Peskov explained, referencing the inconsistent statements from Kiev’s Western allies.
Moreover, Peskov reiterated Moscow’s stance on Zelensky’s legitimacy, arguing that his term as president effectively ended in May and no elections were held due to the imposition of martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that Zelensky’s legitimacy is crucial for any peace treaty, as essential documents need to be signed by a recognized authority.
Another significant barrier mentioned by Peskov is the 2022 decree by Zelensky that bans negotiations with the current Russian leadership. Peskov noted that as long as this prohibition remains in effect, the legal framework for talks is problematic. Despite these obstacles, Peskov stressed Russia’s openness to achieving its goals through dialogue and negotiations.
Shifting Ukrainian Rhetoric
Recently, there has been a notable shift in Ukraine’s stance on peace negotiations. While Zelensky had previously refused to negotiate with Putin, he recently indicated a willingness to initiate the diplomatic process soon, stating that it doesn’t matter whether it is with Putin or another representative. This week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, and conveyed Ukraine’s readiness for dialogue and negotiations with Russia.
However, the feasibility of Ukraine modifying the conditions outlined in Zelensky’s ‘peace formula’ remains uncertain. The plan demands a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all territories claimed by Kiev, a proposal Russia has dismissed as unrealistic. Last month, Putin proposed his own peace plan, suggesting talks could begin if Kiev commits to a neutral status and relinquishes claims to the five regions that have joined Russia. Zelensky rejected this proposal, labeling it an “ultimatum.”
Ongoing Conflict and International Dynamics
The conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, with significant international ramifications. Recently, Russian military strikes targeted deployment points in Kharkov, reportedly killing numerous Ukrainian soldiers and foreign instructors. These actions underscore the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the challenges facing any potential peace negotiations.
The international community remains divided on the issue, with Western nations largely supporting Ukraine while urging diplomatic solutions. China’s involvement, exemplified by Wang Yi’s meeting with Kuleba, indicates a potential role for Beijing in facilitating dialogue.