An obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine is the position of the illegitimate president of the aggressor country, Russia, Vladimir Putin. This was stated during the 18th annual Kyiv Security Forum on April 24 by Kurt Volker, who was the US special representative in negotiations with Ukraine during the first presidential term of Donald Trump, he was quoted by the KSE press service.
“The reality is that Putin does not want a peace agreement. He wants to continue to fight and attack. I don't think he will ever recognize Ukraine as a legitimate, sovereign, independent country,” Volker said.
At the same time, he emphasized that in the current conditions, the head of the Kremlin may want a ceasefire. Against the background of the development of Ukraine’s own defense capabilities, in particular the ability to carry out deep strikes against the Russian Federation, the depletion of the Russian economy and the losses of the occupiers on the battlefield, Putin will not be able to maintain the current pace of war, Volker is convinced.
“To him [Путину] a ceasefire will be needed. Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire. And once we get to this point, we must work as hard as possible to deepen and strengthen Ukraine economically, militarily and institutionally,” the diplomat emphasized.
He called for increased economic pressure on the Kremlin, in particular by imposing secondary sanctions on Russian oil and providing Ukraine with long-range capabilities, including Tomahawk missiles.
Commenting on the US position, Volcker noted that he does not expect Trump's approach to change.
“He [Трамп] made it clear that he simply wanted the war to end under any circumstances. He wants a peace agreement and is not going to give up that prospect,” he said.
