Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated he would be open to negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin if it is the only way to bring peace to Ukraine and prevent further casualties. Zelensky made this statement in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, aired on Tuesday on the YouTube channel "Piers Morgan Uncensored."
Zelensky outlined a potential four-party negotiation format involving the United States, the European Union, Ukraine, and Russia. He emphasized that this would only be considered if it guarantees peace and prevents further loss of Ukrainian lives.
The possibility of peace talks has been reignited following the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House in January 2024. Ukraine has been resisting negotiations, aiming for a military victory over Russia. A decree issued in October 2022 explicitly excluded any negotiations while Putin remains in power.
However, Ukraine faces challenges in countering the advancing Russian forces in the east, and concerns persist about potential reductions in US aid. Trump has criticized the financial support for Ukraine during his campaign.
While the prospect of negotiations remains hypothetical, with no concrete proposals and significant differences in positions between Moscow and Kyiv, Zelensky's statement signifies a potential shift in Ukraine's stance.
Putin, in late January, expressed openness to negotiations but rejected direct talks with Zelensky, deeming him illegitimate and claiming a lack of willingness from Kyiv. He proposed a negotiation process led by individuals he would select.
Zelensky has insisted that any peace agreement must include strong security guarantees for Ukraine from the West. The Kremlin, on the other hand, demands Ukraine's surrender, abandonment of NATO aspirations, and recognition of Russian control over annexed Ukrainian territories.