KYIV (HRNW) – Ukraine’s president has hinted at the possibility of peace talks with Russia, a shift from his earlier refusal to negotiate with President Vladimir Putin that came on the eve of crucial elections in the United States.
Volodymyr Zelensky urged the international community to “force Russia into real peace talks” and listed his usual conditions for dialogue: the return of all of Ukraine s occupied lands, compensation for damage caused by the war and the prosecution of war crimes.
That is a change in rhetoric at least from a man who signed a decree in late September stating “the impossibility of holding talks” with Putin. But since his preconditions appear to be non-starters for Moscow, it s hard to see how that would advance any talks.
Western weapons and aid have been key to Ukraine’s ability to fight off Russia’s invasion, which some initially expected would more easily roll through the country. But US midterm elections Tuesday will define the amount and the shape of Washington’s future political and financial support for Ukraine.
If Republicans win control of Congress, it could become more difficult for President Joe Biden s administration to push forward large packages of military and other aid for Ukraine.