Can One Communicate with Someone Who Eliminates Their Adversaries?

During a weekend press conference with international media, the President of Ukraine, Volodímir Zelenski, reiterated his stance on the ongoing war with Russia. Zelenski emphasized that he will not engage in any negotiations with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, as long as the latter does not acknowledge his defeat in the war. This statement comes as the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year.

Zelenski questioned the feasibility of dialogue, asking, “Is it possible to talk to a deaf person? Is it possible to talk to a person who kills his opponents?” His comments shed light on his scepticism about a negotiated resolution to the war.

The Ukrainian president continues to stand by his Peace Formula – a document demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from the entirety of Ukrainian territory. He asserts this as the only possible negotiation framework.

Zelenski expressed his intention to propose to Putin a path to accepting defeat in the war and acknowledging the gravity of the mistake. He is optimistic about holding an international summit in Switzerland this spring, where he hopes to garner extensive support for his document.

Zelenski explained that once the Peace Formula receives international endorsement, it will be presented to Putin, akin to the grain agreement mediated by Turkey and the United Nations. The agreement, to which Putin assented, allowed the transit of grain from Ukrainian ports through the Black Sea between July 2022 and July 2023, in exchange for easing sanctions on Russia’s agricultural sector.

However, Zelenski underscored that Ukraine’s victory over Russia hinges on the support of the West. He expressed his confidence in the United States approving the currently stalled military aid package.

Zelenski noted that the consequences of the war, including Ukraine’s loss, the difficulties it faces, and the high casualty numbers, depend on the Western world. He held a positive outlook on the forthcoming vote on the aid package in the US Congress.

In a sobering statement, Zelenski reported that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives in the war with Russia. This figure, presented during the press conference in Kiev, marks the first official tally of Ukraine’s military losses. The president clarified that this number does not include wounded or missing soldiers.

Zelenski chose not to disclose the number of wounded Ukrainian soldiers, to avoid giving Russia any insight into the number of Ukrainians who have been on the frontlines.

Regarding the Russian casualties, Zelenski stated that the war has claimed the lives of 180,000 Russian soldiers. Additionally, he added that half a million others were injured in the conflict.

Zelenski also brought attention to the tragic loss of “tens of thousands of civilians” who lost their lives or were subjected to torture in the territories occupied by Russia. He noted that the exact number will only be known when the war comes to an end.

With information from agencies.