Russia Uninterested in Negotiating International Law Principles with Ukraine, Reasons Highlighted by ISW

Recent sociological surveys show that Ukrainians overwhelmingly dismiss Russia's demands for the complete capitulation of Ukraine, rendering the Kremlin's conditions for ending the war absolutely unfounded and unpopular.

Analysts referenced the results of a sociological survey conducted by the Razumkov Center on behalf of the publication 'Зеркало недели' (Mirror Weekly), which were published on July 15. According to them, 83% of respondents reject Putin's assertion that Ukraine must cede control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions to Russia. Additionally, 58% of respondents stated that Ukraine should not strengthen a neutral, non-aligned status, which is a claim made by Moscow.

ISW reminded about Putin's recent statements as prerequisites for starting 'peaceful' negotiations, specifically recognizing Russia's territorial claims over the mentioned four regions, implementing 'demilitarization,' and promising not to join NATO.

The analysts believe that Kremlin's such conditions essentially mean Ukraine's capitulation and indicate that Putin does not wish to conduct honest negotiations on any terms other than Russia's. This is further evidenced by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov’s statement, which accused NATO of showing disrespect towards 'Russia’s main concern' and noted that the alliance’s behavior demonstrates the lack of a basis for peaceful negotiations.

NATO responded to the prospects of Ukraine’s membership concerning the alliance's statement. ISW is convinced that Putin's demands for Ukraine's complete capitulation as a precondition for peaceful negotiations are part of an effort to undermine Ukraine’s attempts to garner international support based on legitimate diplomatic positions grounded in international law.

'Russia’s constant attempts to assert that Ukraine refuses 'reasonable' demands aim to portray Ukraine as the reckless party, despite the fact that Ukraine's legitimate borders have been recognized under international law since 1991,' ISW pointed out.

As reported by Ukrainian News, on June 17, adviser to the head of the president's office, Mikhail Podolyak, stated that the aggressive country, Russia, could be invited to a second peace summit. At the same time, the U.S. State Department commented on Ukraine's idea of inviting Russia to participate in the second peace summit.