Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that negotiating an end to the war against Ukraine is impossible under current conditions. In a speech to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Putin demanded that Ukraine withdraw its troops from the provinces of Lugansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Kherson, and give up the possibility of joining NATO. Only then, he assured, would Russia cease fire and negotiations begin.
The Russian leader not only demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from these territories, but also insists that these provinces, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 and 2022, be recognized as part of Russian territory. This act of annexation, although contrary to international law, is defended by Putin and the majority of Russians, making any attempt at negotiation an almost insurmountable challenge.
Likewise, the Russian constitution does not allow for the disannexation of territories, meaning that even if Putin wanted to, he could not “return” these provinces to Ukraine without changing the country’s fundamental law. This situation prompted Ukraine to reject any negotiations under such terms, considering them risky and harmful to both its sovereignty and national security.
Ukraine’s alternatives
While Putin’s strategy is condemned by the international community, it also reveals the lack of real options for Ukraine. The country can surrender and accept its conditions, which would be self-destructive, or it can continue the fight with the support of the West.
In line with this, analyst Alejandro Motyl, from the media 19FortyFive, affirms that the majority of Ukrainians prefer the second option. Continuing the fight is a means of survival and offers a considerable opportunity for victory, especially with continued support from the West.
Changes in Russia
The truth is that, as Motyl explains, for there to be a real possibility of peace, a significant change in Russian leadership or a resounding military defeat of Russia is necessary. Meanwhile, any attempt at appeasement or negotiation under current conditions would only serve to strengthen Putin’s position and prolong the conflict.
You may be interested: Russia and North Korea sign a Strategic Partnership Agreement to “fight the West”
