On December 4, the Veza Public Analytical Center held a discussion with political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko about recent events involving Ukraine. The talk focused on Vladimir Putin’s statements regarding his intentions to “return” territories in Donbas and Novorossiya by military or political means.
Fesenko emphasized that Russia is currently raising the stakes, making tougher demands, while the situation on the front remains difficult. According to him, Kyiv and Moscow have fundamentally different positions on key issues, making any agreement nearly impossible, particularly regarding the status of Donbas, occupied territories, and Ukraine’s future.
The separate role of the US, especially Donald Trump, in negotiations with the Kremlin was also highlighted. Putin deliberately avoids direct confrontation with Trump, seeking to maintain a constructive dialogue to avoid tougher sanctions and keep Trump as a potential interlocutor for future talks with the West.
Among European countries, attitudes toward support for Ukraine are increasingly diverse. Some countries hold active pro-Ukrainian positions, while others show caution and pragmatism. The involvement of China and Turkey in peace initiatives and the possible increase of pressure on the Kremlin were also discussed.
Experts noted that stabilizing the situation at the front is key to more equal negotiations. However, the current course of hostilities does not give grounds to expect a quick end to the war. Conclusions included the need for a strategy combining defensive and diplomatic efforts and a search for the optimal balance between concessions and preserving Ukrainian sovereignty.
