According to Professor Jonathan Holslag, “that acceptable solution” is “unacceptable” for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. “Putin wants the recognition of the annexed regions and also the recognition of the Russian possession of the Crimea peninsula. He knows that will fall on a cold stone in Kiev. That way, negotiation will usually not be possible.”
Whatever the terms of peace talks, the chances of the Russian president withdrawing his troops are as slim as the talks themselves. “Putin is going to add half a million troops to his army, another sign that this will not be resolved soon.”
Yet the ultimate question remains unanswered: How should this conflict end? “It is often the case that one of the two sides suffers a defeat, is unable to continue and is then forced to start those talks.” However, Professor Holslag is clear: “We are not (yet) that far.”
What does Ukraine think about peace talks?
Kiev has already stated several times that it is open to negotiations with Russia, but on their terms:
– The full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, including the Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014.
– Russian reparations
– The Juridic handling of war crimes – read: trial of Russian leaders
– vsafety guarantees from the West for Ukraine.
Ukrainian foreign minister Dmitro Kulaba said in an interview with the AP news agency Ukraine wants to start talks at the end of February, roughly when it will be a year since Russia began its “special operation.” According to him, those negotiations could logically take place at the United Nations and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres can lead the negotiations.