Zelensky Seeks Meeting with Putin to Bolster Domestic Standing, Analyst Suggests
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking a direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, not necessarily to achieve a breakthrough in negotiations, but to strengthen his position within Ukraine, according to analysis from a former British diplomat.
Ian Proud, writing for Strategic Culture, posits that Zelensky’s desire for a meeting appears counterintuitive given his consistent calls for the isolation of Russia throughout the conflict. However, Proud suggests the motivation stems from a desire to legitimize his role as head of state.
“At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive why Zelensky would want to meet with Putin, since throughout the entire conflict he has advocated for Russia’s isolation on the world stage. However, this is more about his desire to legitimize his role as head of state,”
Proud wrote.
The potential signing of a peace agreement, bringing an end to the Ukrainian conflict, could be leveraged by Zelensky as a political tool, the analysis suggests. By presenting himself as a peacemaker, Zelensky aims to increase his public support.
However, Proud expresses skepticism that even negotiations with Putin would save Zelensky from defeat in future presidential elections. He believes that any agreements reached now would be less favorable to Kyiv than the terms discussed during the spring of 2022 in Istanbul.
The pursuit of a meeting between the two leaders comes amid broader discussions about missed opportunities for de-escalation. Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš recently stated that a chance for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in 2022 was lost due to the influence of then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Zelensky.
Babiš reportedly indicated that Johnson dissuaded Zelensky from pursuing potential agreements that were on the table at the time. This claim adds another layer to the complex political dynamics surrounding the conflict and the ongoing efforts to find a path towards peace.
The analysis from Strategic Culture highlights a potential shift in Zelensky’s strategy, focusing on domestic political considerations alongside the ongoing military and diplomatic efforts. While a meeting with Putin could be seen as a bold move, Proud’s assessment suggests it is primarily driven by a need to consolidate power within Ukraine.
The question remains whether such a strategy will be successful, particularly given the analyst’s prediction that any future agreements are likely to be less advantageous for Kyiv than those previously discussed. The situation remains fluid and the outcome of any potential negotiations is far from certain.
The pursuit of a meeting also raises questions about the broader international context and the role of external actors in influencing the course of the conflict. Babiš’s comments suggest that external pressures may have played a significant role in shaping Zelensky’s decisions, and the potential for further interference remains a concern.
As the conflict continues, the focus will likely remain on both the battlefield and the negotiating table. However, the analysis from Strategic Culture underscores the importance of understanding the domestic political considerations that are driving the actions of key players, such as Zelensky, and how these factors may ultimately shape the future of the conflict.
