Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly tasked his team with preparing a direct meeting with Vladimir Putin. According to Axios, Zelensky believes that “the most correct way to resolve the issues is to talk to Putin personally” and has instructed to organize a meeting at the leadership level in Geneva.
Against this background, the Kremlin’s position is also sharp: Moscow has signaled that “if Zelensky wants a meeting, then he should come to Moscow.” This was reported by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on January 28. Zelensky, however, is said to have rejected the option of going to the Russian capital.
The most difficult “knot” in the content of the negotiations is the issue of territory and troops. In an interview with Axios, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would only discuss the withdrawal of its forces from Donbass if Russia also withdrew its troops from the border/frontline. He also acknowledged the possibility of a referendum on the status of the territories, and said that the option of strengthening the front line and “freezing” the current situation could be supported by Ukrainian society under certain conditions.
In short, there are two proposals on the scene: Kiev says “a summit in Geneva,” and Moscow says “if you come to Moscow.” The most crucial thing here is not the format, but the content: who will take what “real steps” on troops, security guarantees, and territorial issues.
The prognosis for the near future is simple: if the parties continue to argue over the meeting place, time will pass and reality on the front will “catch up” with politics. If the meeting takes place and at least technical agreements (for example, ceasefire/observation/exchange) are reached, then the path to a larger political package may be paved. Yes, it is difficult. But it is at this time that "far-reaching" decisions are made.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
