Zelensky proposes an intermediary model for Ukraine-Russia peace talks

If peace talks were to commence between Kyiv and Moscow, neither Volodymyr Zelensky nor Vladimir Putin would be at the table. The President of Ukraine has revealed his vision for potential negotiations with the invader. This model has previously been employed under different circumstances.

Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a potential negotiation scenario in an interview with the American newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer. He also recalled how the agreement on the grain corridor was achieved.

At that time, the discussions were conducted not directly between the interested parties but through intermediaries. The conditions for unblocking the transport of Ukrainian goods and clearing the route through the Black Sea were established, although direct dialogue between Putin and Zelensky was not feasible.

- "Ukraine can find a model in which solutions can be found according to relevant documents, steps, and modalities. Such a model was first applied on the example of the grain corridor, when Ukraine negotiated not with the blocking hand of Russia, but we negotiated with the UN and Turkey. They, in turn, took the responsibility to negotiate with us in a trilateral agreement, and then sign the corresponding agreement with the Russian side. Yes, it worked, two mirror agreements between the UN and Turkey, and a separate agreement with Russia" - recalled Volodymyr Zelensky in the interview for "The Philadelphia Inquirer".

Although Russia continuously broke and repudiated the agreement, it allowed Kyiv to establish a strong position on the Odesa route. The transport returned to its pre-war state.

Zelensky also mentioned that this approach to dealing with Russia could be applied to territorial integrity, energy, and navigation talks. The Ukrainian president still does not see any other method of dealing with Moscow.

During the same conversation with the American newspaper, Zelensky assessed the situation on the front. - First of all, manpower. They have much more people, and really, we are taking care of our people more - he said.

He added that today, one Ukrainian citizen dies for every six Russians. Previously, this statistic was a ratio of 1 to 4, but after clashes in the Kharkiv direction and around Pokrovske in the Donetsk region, Russian losses have increased.

Zelensky also mentioned that he believes the West should prevent Russians from circumventing sanctions to stop them from producing missiles and drones. At the same time, Europe and the USA could also support Ukraine in producing such weapons independently.

- The biggest [current] issue is with glide bombs," said Zelensky. "So you need to search for long-range solutions against their aerodromes where their military aircraft land, which Russia uses to launch glide bombs and missiles. He added that if President Joe Biden permitted Kyiv to use American long-range missiles, such as ATACMS, to strike Russian airfields, these attacks could be halted.

Zelensky specified what victory over the Russian aggressor would mean for him. He envisions "not to allow the full destruction of everything Ukrainian" by Putin.

The President mentioned that Russia's policies and intentions towards Kyiv are evident in the occupied territories. Moscow eliminates the use of the Ukrainian language, combats the Ukrainian Church, and teaching of Ukrainian history. Children are taught that Ukraine was never a rightful state.