Negotiations with Russia are only possible through force; Ukraine seeks more than just an agreement.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office, stated that Russia can only be compelled to engage in fair negotiations through force, as the current leadership exists solely in a state of war. Podolyak believes that the war serves as a distraction from internal issues for the Kremlin, making it unlikely that Moscow will enter into fair negotiations. Therefore, it is impossible to pressure Russia into a negotiation without effective instruments of coercion.

“But Putin believes that real instruments of coercion are lacking,” Podolyak remarked.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that he can succeed if President Trump is motivated to persuade Vladimir Putin toward peace. Nevertheless, Ukraine hopes to secure a peace agreement that goes beyond mere formality.

Trump’s rhetoric regarding Putin and negotiations rings true, and this is precisely what the Russian dictator fears – having a strong leader backing Ukraine, Zelenskyy added. He also urged Ukraine’s allies to apply increased international pressure on Putin, including through China, to ensure peace and security guarantees for Ukraine.