Zelensky ‘playing games' instead of negotiating
Russia proposed holding a second round of direct talks in Istanbul on June 2, but Ukraine has yet to formally commit to attending the event.
'They are making every effort to convince him that Russia isn't interested in peace,' Polyansky said in an interview on Friday. 'It is absolutely clear that Ukraine isn't interested in negotiations. They're simply playing games. For them, it's not a serious or meaningful negotiation.'
'Everything Kiev now does and says should be analyzed through [the lens] of Ukraine wanting to prolong the war,' the diplomat added. He suggested that Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky is motivated by a desire to stay in power and avoid accountability. Zelensky's five-year presidential term formally expired in May 2024, but he has refused to call new elections, citing martial law.
'It is not in the interest of the Ukrainian president to engage in any meaningful peaceful efforts because they would lead to elections – something he fears the most,' Polyansky said. 'He would also be held accountable for the embezzlement of the state budget and Western aid… That's why he wants to avert this scenario any way he can.'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he no longer considers Zelensky a legitimate leader and argued that his status could potentially undermine the peace process. US President Donald Trump previously branded Zelensky 'a dictator without elections,' but has since toned down his criticism.
Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks in three years in Istanbul on May 16, agreeing to carry out a large prisoner exchange and each present ceasefire terms. The Kremlin has denied accusations of stalling negotiations and said on Wednesday that it was finalizing a memorandum outlining Russia's vision of peace.
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