President Vladimir Putin has stated Russia is willing to negotiate with Kyiv and its western allies on the conflict in Ukraine; however, Washington has previously regarded Putin’s statements as posturing in light of Russia’s continued attacks.
Putin stated in an interview carried out on Sunday by Rossiya 1 state television that they are willing to discuss with all parties concerned with appropriate solutions, but that it is up to Ukraine to do it.
A representative for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Putin must face facts and admit that Russia is unwilling to negotiate.
Putin needs to come back to reality.
1. Russia single-handedly attacked Ukraine and is killing citizens. There are no other "countries, motives, geopolitics"
2. Russia doesn’t want negotiations, but tries to avoid responsibility. This is obvious, so we are moving to the Tribunal.— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) December 25, 2022
The incursion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24 has resulted in the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II and the worst clash between Moscow and the West ever since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962.
No Clear Path To Victory
Moscow and Kyiv pledged to continue fighting until their respective goals were realized.
Putin already stated that Russia is open to discussions, but it must be on his conditions, which would include Ukraine caving to Moscow’s demands and embracing the annexation of four areas of Ukraine.
Supported by the West, Kyiv has made it plain that this is unacceptable.
In Oct., when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed an open-mindedness to talks, department spokesman Ned Price told a regular media briefing that they see this as grandstanding.
The U.S. State Department did not respond immediately to a request for comment. They don’t perceive this as an invitation to have the serious talks and diplomacy that are needed to terminate this aggressive conflict.
No Choice
Millions of people are without power after Russian strikes on power stations, and according to Zelenskiy, Moscow plans to make the remaining days of 2022 as dark and painful as possible.
In a video speech released late at night, he said Russia had lost all it could this year and would continue to lead the invaders to more losses even if it was dark outside. Nonetheless, they must be prepared for everything.
The general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces has stated that air and missile strikes against vital infrastructure remain a possibility.
An online article claimed that Russian soldiers had blasted dozens of towns and locations along the front line.
Zelensky stated, “We will identify every Russian killer,” in reference to the attack on the city of Kherson on Saturday, which officials claim killed at least 10.
Putin said that western powers were attempting to split Russia in two. Putin stated he agrees with his actions and thinks he is protecting the interests of his country and people. He is obligated to defend the populace.
🇷🇺⚔️🇺🇦Putin: "We simply have no other choice but to protect our citizens. But we are ready to negotiate with all the participants in this process about acceptable solutions, but that's their business – it's not us who refuse to negotiate, but they." pic.twitter.com/P9jYXnAvik
— AZ 🛰🌏🌍🌎 (@AZgeopolitics) December 25, 2022
Putin was asked if the geopolitical war with the West was getting serious and he responded it wasn’t.
Kyiv and the West have accused Putin of waging an imperialist war of occupation against Ukraine, for which there is no justification.
This article appeared in The Political Globe and has been published here with permission.
