Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined five reasons why Russia may feel emboldened in upcoming negotiations. He emphasized that recent signals from the United States suggest that talks could resume soon.
“However, what mindset will the Russian side bring to the negotiations this time? It is up to all of us to ensure that the Russians do not come to the table feeling that their position has significantly strengthened. This is not only due to the situation surrounding Iran, which is driving up global oil prices,” Zelensky stated.
He pointed out that the aggressor nation perceives the active use of air defense missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, leading them to believe that Kyiv might also face shortages in this area.
Additionally, he noted that the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia has stalled. This package could have continued to exert pressure on Russia, pushing it toward a genuine peace. Zelensky also highlighted that the United States has eased some sanctions against Russia, which has resulted in significant funding for President Vladimir Putin’s military budget.
Furthermore, he expressed concern over the delay in receiving the “most crucial security financial guarantee” from the EU, which consists of a €90 billion loan. The fifth point he raised was the uncertainty surrounding whether this support will be unlocked.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Zelensky mentioned that he has a “very bad feeling” about the new round of peace talks with Russia. His apprehension stems from the U.S. shifting its focus from Ukraine to the conflict in Iran.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has raised significant concerns regarding Russia's potential advantages in upcoming peace talks. He highlighted various factors, including stalled sanctions and shifts in U.S. focus, that may embolden the Russian position.