Ukrainian officials have expressed their willingness to engage in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict.
However, according to First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Sviridenko, Ukraine needs to strengthen its position before talks can take place.
"Negotiations with Putin are possible, but their timing depends on Ukraine's strength," Sviridenko said in an interview with Polish radio station RMF FM. "A weak Ukraine cannot secure a satisfactory peace agreement."
She emphasized the need to bolster Ukraine's defense production and economy to enhance its leverage in any future discussions.
"Our priority is not just peace but securing reliable security guarantees that will allow Ukraine to return to normal life," she added.
Obstacles to Negotiations
Putin has previously dismissed the possibility of dialogue with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing a 2022 decree by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, which banned negotiations with Russia and Putin specifically.
Zelensky enacted the decree in October 2022 following intensified Russian aggression.
While Zelensky expressed readiness in July 2024 to negotiate with Putin under certain conditions, he insisted that talks must focus on a peace plan approved by Kyiv in collaboration with its international partners.
In contrast, Putin has set stringent conditions for peace talks, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Russian-occupied territories, Kyiv’s formal abandonment of NATO aspirations, recognition of Ukraine’s non-nuclear status, and the lifting of all Western sanctions on Russia.
He has also demanded "demilitarization" and "denazification" of Ukraine. Zelensky dismissed these demands as another ultimatum.
Post-Election Dynamics
Following Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, Putin has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with the new American administration, emphasizing the need for dialogue based on "equality and mutual respect."
Trump, however, has warned of harsher sanctions against Russia, including a potential complete embargo on Russian exports, if Putin does not cease the war.
"We can do this the good way or the bad way. The good way is always better. Make a deal. No more lives need to be lost," Trump stated.
