Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to resolve the conflict with Russia through diplomatic means by next year. His stance comes amidst criticism of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy views this conversation as a potential weakening of Russia's international isolation, which he believes is crucial for Putin.
The phone call, the first between Scholz and Putin in nearly two years, has sparked significant backlash from Kyiv. Scholz was accused of playing into Putin’s hands by initiating the dialogue. While Scholz emphasized the necessity of Russian troop withdrawal and the commencement of peace negotiations, the Kremlin insists any agreement must recognize the territorial changes Russia has enforced.
Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about a possible "Minsk 3" scenario, suggesting that Russia has not altered its policies through past negotiations. The Ukrainian president remains firm that no decisions should be made about Ukraine without its involvement. Meanwhile, Scholz has reiterated Germany's unwavering support for Ukraine and called for an end to hostilities.
The geopolitical dynamics are further strained by Russia's demands for recognition of annexed Ukrainian territories, a condition Kyiv rejects. Zelenskyy hopes for increased support from Western allies, including military aid, to strengthen Ukraine's position in any potential diplomatic talks.
The situation remains tense as Zelenskyy looks to future dialogues involving international leaders, including potential discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed intentions to end the conflict quickly. The international community watches closely as diplomatic efforts continue to address the ongoing crisis.
