Easier to negotiate with Martians than Russians - Ukrainian diplomat
Photo: Volodymyr Ohryzko (RBC-Ukraine)
It is unrealistic to bring Putin to the negotiating table now. He can only make concessions after losing Crimea, which is of sacred importance to Russians, says Ukrainian diplomat and former Foreign Minister Volodymyr Ohryzko.
“If Martians had been sitting across the table, I would have reached an agreement faster than with the Russians. They are a truly unique people,” he says.
So far, the former minister says, he sees no chance of getting the Kremlin to the negotiating table.
“To start with, Russia would have to lose Crimea. And, by the way, many high-level Western military strategists have long suggested that our military should begin with Crimea. They say it’s necessary to cut Crimea off from Russia,” Ohryzko says.
According to him, it is something sacred for Russia and Putin personally. He leads the whole history from there, he leads his succession from there.
“For Putin personally, Crimea is something sacred. He’s built his entire narrative around it, tracing his lineage back to ancient Rome. Maybe next, he’ll declare himself an heir of the Roman emperors; he has to keep advancing his story. If Crimea falls, so does his image as a victor. Putin is the macho man, the one who has always to win,” Ohryzko is sure.
Three-quarters of Russians support the war against Ukraine. In October 2024, more than half want peace talks, but on their terms, and in no case are they ready to give up the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Three-quarters (76%) of Ukrainians believe that all Russians are responsible for the aggression against Ukraine. The majority of Ukrainians (64%) believe that Russia's aggression was inevitable after Ukraine regained its independence.
