Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again declared his readiness to meet with the Ukrainian president in Moscow, highlighting this during the Eastern Economic Forum. However, journalist Vitaliy Portnikov notes that Putin simultaneously questions the feasibility of such a meeting, pointing to legal and political hurdles concerning Russia’s territorial demands from Ukraine.
Putin asserts that any agreements must be confirmed by a referendum in Ukraine and approved by its Constitutional Court. He assures security guarantees for Zelensky, but the real intent, according to Portnikov, is to use Washington as leverage over Kyiv and force concessions through US pressure on the Ukrainian leadership.
Portnikov draws parallels to previous negotiations involving former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that Putin hopes American involvement could push Ukraine into talks or concessions. Should Zelensky refuse a Moscow meeting, the blame can be shifted from Russia to Ukraine for undermining peace efforts.
Portnikov’s analysis underscores that the Kremlin’s concept of “peaceful settlement” is based on Ukraine’s constitutional renunciation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, and Sevastopol territories. Even without a positive referendum outcome, Putin could use the status quo as a pretext for further military offensives in Eastern and Southern Ukraine.
The journalist notes that Moscow’s strategy includes preventing any Western military presence in Ukraine. If peace is signed under such conditions, Russian influence would grow, and territorial concessions could become a springboard for new offensives.
Portnikov stresses that the United States should take a cautious approach to Moscow’s proposals to avoid being manipulated into advancing Russia’s geopolitical goals. The clear support from Beijing adds further risks for Ukraine.
He calls on Ukrainian society to remain vigilant and urges international partners to make considered decisions regarding future negotiations.
