Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is willing to meet with Donald Trump “at any time” to discuss a potential peace process in Ukraine. But the conditions set by Moscow are causing concern in the West and in kyiv. Towards a decisive turning point in the conflict?
Amid speculation about the launch of a possible peace process around Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he was ready to meet US President-elect Donald Trump “at any time”. An outstretched hand which comes as the future tenant of the White House recently called for an “immediate ceasefire” and for talks to put an end to the bloody conflict which has been tearing Ukraine apart for almost a year.
« I don’t know when I’m going to see him. He doesn’t say anything about it. I haven’t spoken to him in over four years. I’m ready to do it, of course. At any time“, affirmed Vladimir Putin during his major annual press conference in Moscow, adding that he would be “ also ready to meet, if he wants“. Comments which echo those made on Monday by Donald Trump, who had expressed his desire to speak with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts to “ stop the carnage ” in progress.
kyiv and the West are worried about the concessions promised by Trump
But if the American president-elect promised during his campaign to quickly end the war, his positions raise serious concerns on the Ukrainian and European sides. Many fear that the new Trump administration, keen to renew ties with Moscow, will force kyiv into major concessions and thus grant a major geopolitical victory to the Kremlin.
During his press conference, Vladimir Putin also made it clear that he was ready for discussions with Ukraine provided that they were based on “the realities on the ground”, where Russian forces have clearly l military advantage since the start of the year. Among Moscow’s demands:
- Ukraine’s cession of four regions partially occupied by Russia (Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson)
- The abandonment of Crimea, annexed in 2014
- kyiv’s renunciation of its ambition to join NATO
Conditions deemed unacceptable so far by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who sees them as an attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of his country. But faced with the growing difficulties of his army on the ground and fears of a weakening of Western support with the coming to power of Donald Trump, the Ukrainian leader recently softened his position, saying he was ready for “ painful compromise » to obtain peace.
The unity of the Western allies put to the test
A sign of the ambient excitement in kyiv, Volodymyr Zelensky called on Europeans on Thursday to “ don’t give up » Ukraine and “ show unity“, including with the United States, as the transfer of power in Washington approaches. A message that echoes the comments made the day before by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg:
It’s important that we stay united […] Leadership will change in the United States and other countries, but our commitment to Ukraine must remain strong.
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General
But already, differences are appearing within the Western camp. According to diplomatic sources, some European countries would be ready to ease sanctions against Russia in exchange for progress in the peace process, an option categorically rejected by others. On the United States side, if the Biden administration is committed to continuing its support for Ukraine, Donald Trump has made it clear that kyiv should expect to receive “ probably less help » from Washington.
2023, a pivotal year for the future of Ukraine
As the conflict enters its second year, the prospect of a summit meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump could therefore mark a decisive turning point. Weakened militarily and economically, forced to make painful concessions, will Ukraine manage to preserve its independence and territorial integrity? Or will it have to settle for a form of Finlandization, with limited sovereignty under Russian influence?
One thing is certain: the year 2023 promises to be crucial for the future of the country and more broadly, for the stability and security of the European continent. Faced with the Russian diplomatic offensive, it is the determination and cohesion of the Western camp that will be tested in the months to come. A major test for Joe Biden and European leaders, who will have to maneuver skillfully to defend Ukraine’s interests while avoiding a potentially devastating escalation with Moscow.
