Zelenskyy changes position on talks with Russia due to Trump’s influence and situation on frontline - WP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is gradually changing his position on possible negotiations with Russia.
The Washington Post writes about this, Censor.NET reports.
"Zelensky’s change in rhetoric — something Ukrainian and Western officials have noticed — can probably be attributed to a worsening situation on the front line and an incoming U.S. administration that has put future security assistance for Kyiv in doubt," the publication notes.
According to sources, the Ukrainian president in recent meetings with Trump and European leaders has been focusing on achieving a "lasting peace" and prioritising an invitation to NATO and security guarantees, such as peacekeepers to protect Ukraine from future Russian attacks.
"I do think for Zelensky, this frees him up from his locked-in position that they were going to fight until the 1991 borders no matter what. He can now say, ‘Well, I would’ve loved to have done that, but Trump has come in and things have changed,’" a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul explained.
Despite the concessions, many analysts and politicians doubt Russia's readiness to negotiate, particularly because of the success of its troops on the frontline.
"Officials and analysts said Zelensky's tone shift is probably an attempt to be more in line with Trump’s emphasis on halting the conflict. But the Ukrainian leader is also trying to ensure his country doesn’t come out empty-handed," the publication notes.
Ukrainian officials still hope for an end to the war next year, but doubt that concrete agreements can be reached with Vladimir Putin.
Earlier, The Washington Post wrote that US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin could meet as early as 2025.
As a reminder, Donald Trump's team told European officials that the new US president will demand that NATO member states increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, but plans to continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine.
