The Russian side, through Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, has expressed readiness for negotiations with Ukraine. This was not done directly, but in politics, reading between the lines is an art practiced by analysts. However, Peskov emphasized that Russia does not trust the Ukrainian government. Furthermore, there is currently no preparation for a peace summit involving Moscow. Analyzing his statements reveals a range of both positive and negative aspects for Ukraine.
Reaction to Zelenskyy’s Statements
According to lawyer-analyst Andriy Vighirinsky, Russia’s statement is a response to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s words. The President of Ukraine previously mentioned that Ukraine cannot oppose Russia’s participation in the second Peace Summit, as demanded by the international community. Thus, Peskov indicated that Moscow is ready for negotiations.
Exchange of Media Communications
Both sides are engaging in an exchange of media communications. This is not yet a process, but both countries are sending each other such test signals to see how the other side will react.
Previously, there was an opinion in the informational space that both countries were not ready for a dialogue to end the war. However, now Kyiv has softened its position, and Moscow has responded accordingly.
Peace Summit Without Putin
It is not necessary for Vladimir Putin to attend the Peace Summit. Most likely, participation will be from someone not under sanctions. However, Ukraine has not revised the presidential decree prohibiting negotiations directly with Putin, so theoretically, this process is impossible without the Russian president. His direct and personal participation is one of the key requirements. Its implementation is quite problematic, especially considering the arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin from the International Constitutional Court, which is active in many countries. Therefore, the meeting place of the two leaders of warring countries is a significant challenge for the host country.
Preparation for the Peace Summit
Russia considers its participation in the Peace Summit and its preparatory stages obligatory. Putin emphasized that without Moscow’s involvement, it is impossible to develop final documents on peaceful settlement that it must sign and adhere to.
Positive Signal from the Kremlin
There is a very important point in the recent statements of the Russian government. Previously, the Kremlin categorically rejected the acting Ukrainian government as legitimate, considering everyone elected by the Ukrainian people after the pro-Russian fugitive president Yanukovych as illegitimate.
According to Vihrinsky, the Kremlin displayed flexibility when Peskov stated that “legal nuances” regarding the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government should not be an obstacle to serious negotiations. Previously, Russia believed that negotiations with Zelensky should not be held due to his alleged loss of legitimacy.
Possibility of Negotiations at Different Levels
Russia allows for the possibility of conducting negotiations not at the leader level, but through special representatives or parliamentary groups. This provides room for maneuvering. “Russia has passed the ball to Ukraine’s court, and now it’s up to us to see how Kyiv will organically integrate it into the preparatory stages of the Peace Summit,” emphasized Andriy Vihrinsky.
