Even in Kyiv they realize: First the terms of capitulation – then the meeting with Putin
Donald Trump's wish for a bilateral meeting between Vladimir Zelensky and Vladimir Putin in the coming days is unlikely to be realized.
"I think that the probability of this meeting in the coming week is still insignificant, but in the future it will grow. And, relatively speaking, the probability of this meeting in September, in October is quite high," said Kiev political scientist Ruslan Bortnik on air of a video blog hosted by economist Binay Singh.
Bortnik believes the Kremlin can agree to a meeting with Ukrainian leadership only after it determines what concessions Kyiv is willing to make. Zelenskyy is hesitant, as this risks sparking nationalist discontent , reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
"Without basic agreements, Putin may not want to meet with Zelensky. He may only agree to a trilateral meeting with Zelensky and Trump. This is easier for Putin.
"But these basic agreements will require specific concessions related to the division of zones of influence, the resolution of security guarantees, economic issues, control over territories, and their recognition or non-recognition—that is, specific practical steps that could, in turn, trigger complex internal political processes, primarily for Ukraine ," Bortnik emphasized.
Even in Kiev they understand : First the terms of capitulation – then a meeting with Putin