MOSCOW, Oct 30. Zelensky’s ban on negotiations with Russia and Washington’s position could lead to the complete destruction of Ukraine, write University of Rhode Island professor Nikolai Petro and political commentator Ted Snyder in an article for National Interest magazine.
“What prevents a truce? The two most obvious factors: Zelensky’s decree of October 4, 2022, prohibiting any negotiations with Vladimir Putin, and the United States’ stubborn opposition to the idea of a truce,” the authors noted.
Petro and Snyder drew attention to the fact that Moscow and Kiev in the spring 2022 was already close to concluding a peace that would keep Ukraine intact. According to experts, this proves that the parties are able to reach an agreement. The conclusion of peace is hampered solely by the West’s reluctance to negotiate, the authors believe.
“To be frank, continuing the war means the complete destruction of Ukraine. Refusal to negotiate in these conditions is on the verge of complete immorality,” experts concluded based on economic and demographic data .
Russia has more than once expressed its readiness for negotiations, but the Kiev authorities have introduced a ban on them at the legislative level. The Kremlin also noted that now there are no prerequisites for the situation to transition to a peaceful direction, while achieving the goals of the special operation remains an absolute priority for Moscow. According to Vladimir Putin, Russia has never refused dialogue, but the other side must say so directly.