Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has suggested he is open to negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin under certain conditions, marking a notable shift in his previously rigid stance. In an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, excerpts of which were published on February 4, Zelensky stated that if meeting Putin is the only means to secure peace for Ukraine without further loss of life, he is prepared to consider it.

For nearly two years, Zelensky has maintained an unwavering position against any form of dialogue with Moscow, branding Putin as an adversary beyond diplomatic engagement. His administration even went as far as enacting a decree in October 2022, explicitly banning negotiations with Russia as long as Putin remains in power. This decree has been a cornerstone of Kyiv’s official policy, reinforcing Ukraine’s stance that Russia’s military actions eliminate the possibility of any settlement other than complete Russian withdrawal.

Yet, Zelensky’s latest remarks indicate a significant departure from this policy. “If that is the only setup in which we can bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people, definitely we will go for this setup, for this meeting,” he told Morgan. He acknowledged his adversarial perception of Putin, saying, “I will not be kind to him and I… consider him an enemy. And to be honest, I believe he considers me an enemy as well.”

The shift in Zelensky’s rhetoric raises the question: is Kyiv beginning to acknowledge the reality that a purely military solution to the conflict is increasingly elusive? Or is this merely an attempt........

© Blitz