Despite ongoing Russian bombing of Ukrainian cities, Kiev sees Russian demands at the negotiating table becoming more realistic. President Zelensky added in a nightly video that that does not mean an agreement is within reach. This requires more effort: “Patience is required”.
Zelensky emphasized that every war ends with an agreement. The president also thanked the Americans and “all the friends of Ukraine” for their support. Zelensky will give a speech to Congress later today via video link. According to US media, President Biden will pledge between $800 million and $1 billion in additional aid.
Ukrainian negotiator Podoljak had also previously commented on the talks he is having with the Russians. He spoke of a complex negotiation process, with strong contradictions. “But of course there is room for compromises.”
Putin spoke again yesterday with President Charles Michel of the European Council. The Kremlin said Putin has told him Kiev is showing no sign of pursuing a mutually acceptable solution. A few days earlier, Russian negotiator Leonid Slutsky said a draft agreement was not far away.
Security guarantees
Ukraine has already announced that it no longer expects the country to join NATO anytime soon. “We’ve been hearing for years that the doors are open, but we’ve also heard that we can’t get in.” If Ukraine cannot join NATO, it will pursue other security guarantees, President Zelensky has said.
For Moscow, Ukrainian membership of the military alliance is unacceptable. Russia also wants Ukraine to recognize annexed Crimea as Russian territory. Furthermore, the separatist regions in the east should be recognized as independent.
Ukraine, in turn, demands, among other things, that Russia cease its attacks, immediately withdraw from the country and provide security guarantees for the future.
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