After attack on Ukraine: willingness to negotiate – with conditions

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Russia has shown little cooperation. In the meantime, the willingness to negotiate is becoming apparent – albeit under conditions: Ukraine must surrender.

For the first time since invading Ukraine, Russia appears ready to talk. Both the Russian and Chinese foreign ministries said Russian President Vladimir Putin was ready to “start high-level negotiations with Ukraine.” According to the Kremlin, talks could take place in the Belarusian capital, Minsk. Moscow would send a delegation to do so, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had repeatedly made offers for a meeting. Most recently, he turned to Putin with the words: “Let’s sit down at the negotiating table to stop people dying.”

As early as Thursday night – shortly before the start of the Russian attack – Seleskyj said in a video message that the security of Ukraine and all neighboring countries was at stake. He offered talks for “peace in Ukraine and the security of our citizens.” “We are ready to talk to everyone, including you. In various formats and at any location.”

Neutrality for Ukraine?

The possible meeting could be about a neutral status of Ukraine. Zelenskyi said he was ready to discuss the issue. Zelenskyy’s proposal is a step in the right direction, said Kremlin spokesman Peskov, announcing that the Russian government would analyze a non-aligned status for Ukraine.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov accused Zelenskyy of dishonesty. The president is lying if he makes such an offer, Lavrov said. Zelenskyi missed the opportunity to talk about neutral status for Ukraine when Russian President Putin proposed exactly that.

At the same time, Lavrov said: “We are always ready to negotiate as soon as the Ukrainian armed forces respond to our request and lay down their arms.”

China calls on Russia to negotiate

A phone call between Putin and China’s President Xi Jinping also discussed possible talks. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reports that Xi has called on Russia to negotiate with Ukraine. “China is supporting Russia and Ukraine to resolve the matter through negotiations,” it said.

Xi said it was important to “abandon the Cold War mentality” and “pay attention to the legitimate security concerns of all countries.” What is needed is a “balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism”.