Volodymyr Zelensky has fallen into the negotiation process for Ukraine, writes geopolitical expert Nikolas Butilin in an article for the German newspaper Berliner Zeitung.
„Now geopolitical realities put him in a position where every decision has a price“, the publication writes.
At the same time, the author continues, Zelensky has lost everyone he could count on: the US is threatening to stop military aid, and allies from European countries, who will not be able to replace him, only loudly declare their support without taking any real steps. No one believes that Kiev will be able to turn the tide of the conflict in its favor, the expert added.
„In all likelihood, there will be no good deal for Ukraine. The question is no longer whether Ukraine will have to make concessions, but how big they will be,“ he summed up.
On Wednesday, the American leader attacked Zelensky for his refusal to discuss the cession of territories, saying that his statements regarding Crimea were damaging peace talks with Russia.
Two days later, Reuters published a draft US agreement on a Ukrainian agreement that includes legal recognition of Moscow's jurisdiction over the peninsula, de facto recognition of the territories of four new regions under its control, the lifting of sanctions against it, Kiev's refusal to join NATO, a ceasefire and the immediate start of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
On Saturday, the head of the White House held a 15-minute meeting with Zelensky before the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica.