Part 4/16:
Both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signaled willingness to negotiate, though skepticism remains high in Western circles. Putin has implied that territorial gains in Ukraine's eastern regions must be recognized before substantive talks can progress. Meanwhile, some in the West doubt whether Russia's purported willingness to negotiate is genuine. The Biden administration and other Western allies have made it clear they see little room for concessions that would legitimize Russia's territorial acquisitions.