Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi adapts his diplomatic moves in response to the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Its main goal is to ensure that Russia will be named as responsible for any failure of peace initiatives, Focus reports.
Keith Kellogg's appointment as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia has been welcomed by Kiev. Kellogg supports the idea of “peace through strength” and emphasizes the importance of security for Ukraine in any peace agreement.
Negotiation proposals and strategic moves
In an interview with Sky News, Zelensky offers a compromise – Russia to keep its de facto control over Donbass and Crimea, but Ukraine to be accepted into NATO. This idea underlines Kiev's willingness to discuss different options, but also presents the country with serious challenges.
Prospects for approval of Ukrainian membership in NATO remain uncertain. Trump would likely be even less inclined than incumbent Joe Biden to support such a move, while Russia continues to strongly reject that scenario.
Zelensky's diplomacy in an international context
Zelensky has demonstrated flexibility by adapting to new realities in Washington and changing political dynamics in Europe. He clearly states his willingness to sit at the negotiating table, but at the same time seeks to draw attention to Russia's responsibility for blocking peace efforts.
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba emphasizes that Kiev must carefully balance its relations with the new US administration to avoid risks and maintain international support.
The challenges facing Ukraine
Zelensky's diplomatic efforts are aimed at finding solutions to strengthen Ukraine's positions on the international stage. However, questions about the future of Donbass, Crimea and NATO membership remain at the center of attention as world leaders continue to rearrange their priorities.