The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, has suggested the possibility of starting negotiations with Russia on the condition of returning to the situation as it was on February 23, 2022. He expressed this in an article for Dagens Industri.
Yermak emphasized that fruitful negotiations can only occur when all parties involved in the conflict genuinely desire to cease hostilities.
"Furthermore, it is essential to revert the situation at least to the state of February 23, 2022. This would serve as a starting point for further resolution, as part of Ukraine was occupied before that date," he noted.
At the same time, Yermak pointed out that Russia is currently not showing any signs of such willingness, continuing its escalation.
"Putin has deployed 11,000 North Korean troops at the border with Ukraine... The launch of a medium-range nuclear-capable hypersonic missile by Russia over the Dnipro last week, along with Putin's threats to carry out new strikes, further demonstrate that Moscow is not interested in peace," the head of the Office stated.
He added that it is crucial to strengthen support for Ukraine, as Russia will only be able to initiate genuine negotiations when it recognizes that its current strategy has failed.
"Diplomacy has no prospects without military support... The concept of 'peace through strength' has proven effective throughout world history. It is time to apply it once again," he emphasized.
Peace Negotiations Between Ukraine and Russia
The Guardian reported that Putin may initiate negotiations regarding Ukraine early next year. It was noted that Trump has individuals capable of agreeing to Moscow's terms, especially if Russia severs its military ties with China.
At the same time, according to Volodymyr Zelensky, there is currently no point in starting peace negotiations with Russia, as "strong countries" have not yet formed a unified position regarding a just peace. He stated that without such a position, negotiations would merely become a delay tactic.