Zelensky Signals Willingness for Peace Talks with Russia
Since the Russian attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Europe has been in a serious crisis. However, a recent development has sparked a glimmer of hope for a possible end to the Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has surprisingly signaled his willingness to hold talks with Russia. On July 15, Zelensky announced at a press conference in Kyiv that he supports Russia's participation in a second Ukraine peace summit.
Ukraine's First Peace Summit and Future Plans
At the first summit in Switzerland, representatives from 93 countries outlined guidelines for possible peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow, although Russia did not participate. Zelensky accused Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin of wanting to 'fail' the meeting. Despite the absence of Russia, the summit laid the groundwork for future negotiations. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine was not under Western pressure to start negotiations with Russia, and the West's military and financial support was not tied to talks with the Kremlin.
Mixed Reactions and Conditions for Peace Talks
While Zelensky's announcement marks a significant shift, the Kremlin remains cautious. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the first peace summit was 'not a peace summit at all' and expressed skepticism about Zelensky's intentions. Russia has repeatedly claimed its willingness to negotiate but demands that Kyiv cedes territory, a condition Ukraine rejects. A survey by the Razumkov Center revealed that more than 40 percent of Ukrainians favor peace talks, though a significant majority reject Putin's conditions for peace.
The US supports Zelensky's proposal to invite Russian representatives to a second peace summit, emphasizing that it is up to Ukraine to decide the format and timing of negotiations. Zelensky plans to present a comprehensive peace plan by November 2024, with preparatory meetings on various issues scheduled to take place in Qatar, Turkey, and Canada.
- Russia still occupies nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, and the prospects for a ceasefire or lasting peace remain minimal. The Kremlin has ruled out any peace talks unless Ukraine abandons the five regions Moscow claims to annex and renounces its alliance with the West. This condition is seen as a de facto capitulation by Ukraine.
- A survey conducted by the Razumkov Center showed that while more than 40 percent of Ukrainians favor peace talks, over 80 percent reject further territorial concessions to Moscow. Additionally, 76 percent oppose lifting sanctions against Russia, and almost 60 percent are against a neutral status for Ukraine.
- NATO countries have pledged their continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. The alliance declared its determination to help Ukraine build a military force capable of ending Russian aggression, contributing directly to Euro-Atlantic security.
- The US has reiterated its backing for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that Ukraine, as the victim of the invasion, should decide the format and timing of any negotiations. Preparatory meetings on energy security, freedom of navigation, and the exchange of prisoners of war are planned for the coming months.
