Vladimir Putin raises the negotiation rate. Expert on what can be ‘sold’

For example, it is about replacing territories controlled by the Ukrainian army close Kursk for all prisoners. Territories for people. It's a very Western rule. People are more crucial than territories. So I think Putin's gonna bargain like this. But in general, Zelenski's message is very correct.

But how can Putin agree to it and make it his triumph erstwhile these Ukrainian territories already belong to him under the Russian Constitution? How can he ‘sell’ to his society?

First, they didn't take Zaporozh. Secondly, this is only possible if the West exerts pressure. Zelenski will take this thought to the Munich conference. And he'll advance it there. And Putin can explain that to his electorate. He will say that the Zaporozh atomic power plant is linked to the Ukrainian energy system, as requested by the global Atomic Energy Agency and which is simply a motion of goodwill. But these negotiations are inactive very distant. For now Putin raises the stakes and demands concessions from Ukraine on the Kurd region.

So the Ukrainian army can leave them?

Yeah. Putin put Trump under the condition that Ukraine must retreat from the Kurdish circuit before negotiations begin. Only then can dialog begin.

Ukraine fights. “No substance how beautiful the game is, the score is on the scoreboard”

How can Ukrainian society perceive the thought of replacing Russian territories with Ukrainian territories?

Of course, we can't call it a victory. But society has already reached a global consensus that we will temporarily lose part of our territories. And our politicians will say that the main nonsubjective has been achieved. Ukraine was preserved as a sovereign and independent state. And that can be “sold”.

Of course, many will be opposed. any will say we should proceed the war until victory. But there's common sense. Putin can't beat us, but we can't get our lands back either. Society will accept this as a pragmatic decision, surely not as a victory. Our celebrated football coach utilized to say, “No substance how beautiful the game is, the score is on the scoreboard.”

Ukraine played very well. But we lost territory, not the Russians. As for the course circuit, which is now partially controlled by the Ukrainian army, there are no problems. No 1 in society is keeping it. And it is this exchange that people will welcome. We didn't just give up. We traded it for our own.

Do you think there are concrete negotiations on a possible peace?

Yes, of course. Putin and Trump as well as another European leaders are negotiating. All negotiations are divided into 2 parts: secret and open. The exchange of messages between peculiar services and diplomatic representatives is ongoing. And both sides calculate who has any demands. Putin raises the negotiation rate. He puts on quite a few conditions to later have something to bargain with.

War in Ukraine. That's Trump's concept.

Can Ukraine agree to the condition to retreat from the Kurd region to start negotiations?

We're not ready for that yet. It would look like a failure. The Trump concept is very clear: freezing the conflict without additional conditions. And Putin makes the terms. Then we'll see. Zelenski besides does not quit easily. He's inactive applying for a second presidential term. And how can this work if Ukraine agrees to quit so easy the territories it fought for and lost people. But Putin doesn't negociate with Zelenski, but with Trump.

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Volodymyr Zelenski surrounded by soldiers

To what degree do you believe authoritative negotiations can begin?

I think the talks will take place in April. After all, these are key dates for Putin — Easter and triumph Day. And between those dates, he would like to tell his society that the objectives of "special operation" have been achieved and won. And start the process of authoritative negotiations. But they can take a long time.

Is this the end of the war?

The negotiating line may have deadlines. For example, at the beginning of the page may agree that they will not fire on the back. The date by which the dense equipment must be withdrawn may then be fixed. individual should be given a mandate to control this trial. During this process, there may be skirmishes. But the strength of the war will decrease. It might take a while. And we will know that the frost occurred erstwhile a decree to demobilize a certain number of soldiers was issued.

Do you believe the war can end this year?

Yes, I do. Putin understands that if he can't topple Ukraine this winter, it will come summertime erstwhile the advancement of the Russian army will be slowed down. And then they'll have another year of war and another winter. And Russia has quite a few problems, too. And it's not known if they'll last another year. That's why Putin can decide to make a truce. After all, there are not many people left in Russia who want to fight.