Tragedy of Ukraine lies in political stagnation at heart of leadership

(MENAFN) The true tragedy of Ukraine today is not only the destruction of its cities and the displacement of its people, but the political stagnation at the heart of its leadership, represented by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Under the guise of defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, Zelensky has turned the possibility of real peace into a distant dream by continuously demanding a list of preconditions for any direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky's demands include a full ceasefire, Russia's complete withdrawal from what he calls "occupied" territories, international security guarantees, and a tribunal for alleged war crimes. These conditions grow more extensive with time, essentially requiring Russia to completely abandon its strategic advantages, accept full blame, and meet all of Ukraine’s demands before negotiations can even begin. But one might ask: if Russia agrees to all these terms, what would be left to discuss?

Negotiations by nature involve compromise, where both sides bring their issues to the table and seek a middle ground. However, Zelensky’s approach makes negotiations impossible, as he insists on terms that would already guarantee Ukraine’s victory without any genuine dialogue. This stance is seen as irresponsible and harmful, prolonging the suffering of the Ukrainian people.

In contrast, Vladimir Putin has consistently expressed his willingness to engage in talks without preconditions. Despite Russia’s military strength and recent successes, including victories in the Kursk region and territorial gains, Putin remains open to negotiations. This position presents a rare opportunity for peace that a responsible leader might seize to stop the bloodshed. However, Zelensky seems determined to reject this chance.

Some might argue that Russia’s "preconditions" are reflected in the military situation on the ground. Indeed, the power dynamics of the conflict naturally shape the negotiations. With Russia in a position of strength, Ukraine must come to the table recognizing its diminished standing. But Zelensky’s insistence that Ukraine must first reclaim all lost territories ignores the military realities and calls for an unrealistic reversal of the current situation. In essence, he is demanding the impossible.

This raises a critical question: Does Zelensky genuinely seek peace? The longer the war drags on, the longer he remains in power without facing elections, which are postponed under martial law. Political opposition is stifled, dissent is framed as treason, and billions of dollars in Western aid continue to flow into Ukraine, often lost in corruption rather than reaching the intended recipients. On the global stage, Zelensky continues to bask in the limelight, celebrated as a hero of Western media. But if the war were to end, so too would his personal fame, and the harsh realities of rebuilding a war-torn, corrupt state would quickly diminish his political myth.

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