Part 9/13:
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky has publicly denounced the peace talks, accusing key participants of excluding Ukraine’s sovereignty. Trump recently characterized Zelensky as a "dictator" without elections, suggesting a shift in U.S. rhetoric—possibly motivated by political considerations.
Putin’s Demands and the Road to Peace
Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov signals that Russia believes it holds "all the cards"—demanding security guarantees, notably that Ukraine will never join NATO, and limiting foreign peacekeeping troops present on Ukrainian soil.