Main points
- The Kremlin leader spoke about his willingness to meet with Zelensky, but only on condition that final agreements are reached.
- Political strategist Taras Zagorodny believes that Putin will not speak directly with Zelensky, as this will be a political defeat for him and contribute to dangerous processes in Russia.
Ukrainian President Zelensky, Russian dictator Putin / Collage by Channel 24 (GettyImages)
Putin expressed his readiness to meet with Zelensky not only in Russia but also in other countries, provided that final agreements are reached for the long term. In turn, the Ukrainian leader noted that the Kremlin had to be pushed to change its rhetoric and that it was necessary to find a format for further negotiations.
Political strategist Taras Zagorodny, commenting on these statements, expressed the opinion in a conversation with Channel 24 that the Kremlin leader is actually bluffing.
Zelenskyy and Putin meeting: why is it unlikely?
According to the political strategist, for the Russian dictator to hold a direct meeting with the Ukrainian president would mean a loss, because he does not consider Ukraine a subject. Even in the case of the proposal for a truce in order to hold the parade on May 9, he did not address Ukrainian representatives, but the American side – Trump.
I believe that Putin is not going to meet with Zelensky, because for him it would be a political defeat, a recognition of the subjectivity of Ukraine and Zelensky, his legitimacy,
– said Zagorodny.
According to the political strategist, a dialogue with Zelensky for the Kremlin leader would be a real domestic political defeat, which, in his opinion, would contribute to dangerous trends for Putin within Russia. Therefore, Zagorodny considers it unlikely that such a meeting is possible. He is convinced that the Kremlin leader will not change his rhetoric.
Putin will not agree to a meeting in another country. He said he is ready to meet with Zelensky for the final signing of documents. What does this mean? It means to him that Ukraine must fulfill his demands for surrender, which he has publicly voiced,
– Zagorodny explained.
Recall that Moscow has repeatedly stated that for a ceasefire, Ukraine must withdraw from four of its regions that Putin included in the Russian constitution, as well as abandon plans to join NATO.
In conclusion, the political strategist emphasized that Russia's intentions to end the war are not currently visible. The latest strikes on Ukraine after the end of the ceasefire are confirmation that Putin will continue to wage hostilities as long as he is in power.
Putin has softened his rhetoric: what's behind it?
Political scientist and head of the Center for Analysis and Strategies Igor Chalenko drew attention to the fact that the Russian dictator not only stated that he was ready to meet with Zelensky, but also allowed such a meeting on the territory of other states. Previously, he voiced an ultimatum that such negotiations could only take place in Moscow.
In addition, Putin has spoken about the fact that the war is supposedly coming to an end. According to Chalenko, this is a rhetorical device on his part. He wants his statements to be synchronous with those coming from Trump's lips. In addition, in this way he is trying to pretend that Ukraine will capitulate soon.
The Russian dictator also allowed Europeans to be involved in the negotiations (he voiced the candidacy of former German Chancellor Schroeder). According to the political scientist, Putin softened his position on the possibility of third parties participating in such statements.
The OPU announced under what conditions will the Kremlin's rhetoric really change?
Advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak is convinced that Moscow will be ready for negotiations anywhere, and the composition of the Russian negotiating team will change from random characters to influential figures in the Kremlin. This, he said, will happen under the condition of a significant destruction of Russia's military capabilities and its oil sector.
Podoliak predicts that if the Russians are unable to export the amount of oil they sold in 2024-2025, then problems among the elites in Russia will escalate. This will quickly contribute to the readiness to actually sit down at the negotiating table. He added that the West should support the JOU so that they can attack Russia's oil infrastructure on a large scale. Then the Russians will be more pliable.