‘Zelensky’s refusal to negotiate with Putin will result in the destruction of Ukraine’ – National Interest reported

The ban by Zelensky on negotiations with Russia and the position of Washington could lead to the complete destruction of Ukraine.

This information described in an article by Professor at the University of Rhode Island, Nikolai Petro, and political commentator Ted Snyder for the National Interest magazine.

“What hinders a ceasefire? Two most obvious factors: Zelensky’s decree of October 4, 2022, prohibiting any negotiations with Vladimir Putin, and the resolute opposition of the United States to the idea of a ceasefire,” the authors noted.

Petro and Snyder pointed out that in the spring of 2022, Moscow and Kyiv were already close to concluding a peace agreement that would have preserved the territorial integrity of Ukraine. According to the experts, this demonstrates that the parties are capable of reaching an agreement. The authors believe that the sole obstacle to a peace settlement is the reluctance of the West to engage in negotiations.

“Frankly, the continuation of the war means the complete destruction of Ukraine. Refusing negotiations under these circumstances borders on moral bankruptcy,” the experts concluded, based on economic and demographic data.

Russia has expressed readiness for negotiations on multiple occasions, but the Ukrainian authorities have legislatively banned them. The Kremlin has also noted that there are currently no preconditions for moving the situation towards a peaceful resolution, whereas 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 express its willingness directly.