The latest statements from Russian and Ukrainian leaders show that there are still major obstacles to overcome before peace talks can be held to end Moscow’s large-scale invasion of its neighbor.
Both sides say they are open to negotiations, though both have set conditions for ending the war Moscow launched against its neighbor in February 2022.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said it was ready to enter into a negotiation process with Russia at some point if Moscow was willing to enter into sincere negotiations. However, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that there was currently no such willingness on the Russian side and called for a just and lasting peace.
The Kremlin spokesman said in turn: Dmitry Peskov said that Kiev made several statements that are not entirely understandable. “Russia is generally open to a negotiation process, but first we need to understand to what extent the Ukrainian side is ready for this and to what extent it has the consent of its trustees,” Peskov said.
Russia calls Ukrainian leaders a “puppet” and claims Kiev is controlled by Western forces.
Officially, the terms that both sides have expressed so far are far apart. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demands that Russian troops completely withdraw from the country before negotiations with Moscow can take place.
But Russian President Vladimir Putin is calling on Ukraine to give up Kherson, Zaporizhia, Luhansk and Donetsk, territories illegally annexed by Russia, even though some of them are still controlled by Kiev.
Meanwhile, both sides continue to amass weapons and deploy thousands of soldiers in the ongoing fighting.
Peskov reiterated that the fundamental obstacle to negotiations remains the fact that Zelensky has ruled out such talks by decree. He also said that Ukraine should explain its proposals.
He also again questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, claiming his term would expire in the spring. However, Ukrainian authorities say no elections will be held due to martial law, meaning the president’s powers remain in place.
