Putin and Zelensky issue: Why not arrange prompt discussions?
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump has announced that Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky are scheduled to meet within two weeks. This potential encounter between the two leaders comes as a ray of hope for ending the three-and-a-half-year war between Ukraine and Russia.
Before entering politics, Zelensky was a successful comedian and TV producer in Ukraine. His background, however, has been a subject of criticism by Russian propaganda, which portrays him as a "toxic figure," a puppet of the West, and even accuses him of being drug-addicted. Zelensky, on the other hand, has been vocal about his opinions, calling Putin an "idiot" and accusing him of terrorism.
The Russian advance in eastern Ukraine has been costly, with heavy losses on both sides. Moscow, open to any format of talks, according to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, has suggested possible venues for the meeting, including Switzerland (specifically Geneva), the United Arab Emirates, and Hungary. French President Emmanuel Macron strongly supports Geneva as a neutral location, while Putin himself has mentioned the UAE, and Hungary has expressed readiness to host talks.
However, Moscow currently expects that Putin will only meet with Zelensky or another representative from Kiev if Ukraine surrenders. This condition, if met, could potentially pave the way for a peaceful resolution. Delegations at lower levels must first negotiate an agreement before the heads of state step in and sign the pre-arranged deal, according to Moscow.
Russian mobilization numbers are falling, indicating a possible shift in strategy or a sign of growing internal dissent. Meanwhile, Ukraine is keeping the Russian fleet at bay in the Black Sea and has been conducting increasing drone strikes on refineries, energy facilities, or railway lines in Russia's hinterland, a thorn in Putin's side.
It is important to note that this potential meeting would be difficult for Russian propaganda to justify, as it would imply Putin is "sitting down with a president he thinks is a joke, from a country that doesn't exist." The meeting between the two leaders in 2019 in Paris, although unproductive, demonstrated the potential for direct dialogue.
Zelensky's term is due to end in 2024, and Ukrainian laws prohibit elections during a war. This adds a layer of complexity to the negotiations, as any agreement reached would need to be sustainable beyond Zelensky's tenure.
A meeting between Putin and Zelensky, if successful, could mark a significant step towards peace in Ukraine. However, the road to resolution is fraught with challenges, and much depends on the willingness of both leaders to find a compromise. The international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this long-standing conflict.
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