Russian President Open to Compromise with Ukraine
In a late-night interview on the last day of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia's willingness to reach a compromise with Ukraine to end the ongoing conflict. He asserted that any outcome should be in Russia's favor, and while Russia is open to discussions, it will not compromise its interests.
Putin's Stance on Ukraine Conflict
Putin emphasized that Russia has never declined to engage with Ukraine on various initiatives but will not compromise its interests in any negotiations. He also stated that Moscow does not rule out compromises on its part as long as they are rational.
Ukraine's Withdrawn Initiatives
Putin revealed that Ukraine had twice approached Russia with proposals through Turkish mediation, but subsequently withdrew its initiatives. He described this behavior as irrational and hard to predict, making it difficult to base any plans on such a foundation.
Putin's Response to Western Accusations
In response to accusations from Western officials and media reports that portray him as intentionally isolating Moscow from any dialogue, Putin stated that he has never shunned contacts on the diplomatic front. He clarified that Russia has not rejected any attempts to renew relations and is open to dialogue.
Potential Compromises
Putin reiterated the possibility of ending the Ukraine war through reasonable compromises from both sides. However, he has consistently vowed not to give up the four annexed territories in the east, including Crimea.
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky suggested a plan of initial compromise that could form the basis of talks. He proposed that both sides should agree on halting all aerial attacks on energy targets and cargo ships, which could pave the way for negotiations to end the war.
Zelensky's Proposal
Zelensky's comments were first reported by the Financial Times, which quoted him as saying that getting a result on energy and freedom of navigation could indicate Russia's readiness to end the war. He also suggested that an agreement not to attack each other's energy infrastructures could lead to the end of the war's hot phase.
Current Situation on the Battlefield
On the battlefield in the Donbass, Russia appears to have the upper hand amid severe manpower problems within Ukraine's military. Ukraine is also set to endure a harsh winter, given the significant damage to much of its energy infrastructure.
Bottom Line
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, the willingness of both parties to engage in dialogue and potentially make compromises could be a step towards resolution. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think a compromise is possible, and what might it look like? Please share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.