Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict. However, Zelensky has also stated he will not be conciliatory towards Putin, whom he considers an enemy.
Zelensky's remarks, made during an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, represent a significant shift in his stance. Previously, he had refused to negotiate with Putin and signed a decree banning any talks with Moscow. This decree, however, has been modified, allowing Zelensky himself to engage in negotiations.
Putin, in turn, has questioned Zelensky's legitimacy to sign agreements, citing the expiration of his presidential term in May 2024. Despite this, Putin has expressed openness to sending negotiators to talk with Zelensky if he is willing to discuss a resolution.
The Ukrainian decree banning negotiations with Russia remains a hurdle to meaningful talks. Putin has pledged to deploy a team of legal experts to assess the authority of any Ukrainian negotiating team and ensure their legal standing to sign agreements.
The possibility of a peace deal has been rekindled following the election of Donald Trump as US President. Trump has expressed a desire to end the war, viewing it as a drain on American resources. He has even proposed a peace plan through social media.
Zelensky's shift in stance may be influenced by Trump's approach, which differs from the previous Biden administration's policy of providing extensive military and civilian aid to Ukraine. The Biden administration's support had encouraged Ukraine to prolong the conflict and avoid any deals with Russia.