Conflict Between Ukraine and Russia: Zelenskyy and Putin’s Standoff Continues Amidst Ongoing War
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia escalates as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly stands against Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is deemed the aggressor responsible for the invasion of Ukraine. This war has led to numerous war crimes and resulted in the deaths and injuries of tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, alongside the forced deportation of around 20,000 children to Russia for indoctrination, reports 24brussels.
Putin also seems to harbor disdain for Zelenskyy, viewing him as a destabilizing leader of a nation that has demonstrated remarkable resilience against Russian imperial ambitions. However, Putin’s reluctance to meet with Zelenskyy is not merely a personal aversion.
A summit with Zelenskyy would lend political legitimacy to the Ukrainian leader, undermining the Kremlin’s narrative that he lacks authority. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently emphasized this point, suggesting in an interview that Moscow considers someone in Zelenskyy’s position as unworthy of negotiation.
The Kremlin’s avoidance of a summit also aligns with its broader strategy to manage relations with former U.S. President Donald Trump. By creating barriers to discussion, Russia seeks to avoid inciting Trump’s ire and simultaneously mitigate any threats of retaliation. Trump has vaguely alluded to potential “severe consequences” aimed at Russia if it fails to participate sincerely in efforts to resolve the conflict.
While Trump has refrained from specifying the nature of these consequences, they likely would involve imposing secondary sanctions on nations engaged in trade with Russia, particularly concerning fossil fuel purchases. Though these sanctions might not completely cripple the Russian economy, currently facing a recession and budgetary challenges, they would significantly hinder economic operations.
For Putin, continuing the conflict in Ukraine serves practical purposes. An abrupt end to hostilities could endanger his regime, potentially leading to internal discord due to the loss of a wartime economy. Sociologist Ella Paneyakh notes that such a shift could spark fierce competition for limited resources within Russian society, exacerbating tensions and political repression under the guise of patriotism.
