The Lavrov-Kuleba meeting in Antalya and what followed proves conclusively that in words there is a will and an intention to lay down arms and activate dialogue. Only in practice, unfortunately, the exact opposite is happening
As we wrote in previous days, the war will only stop if the leaders of the two countries meet face to face. Zelensky has stated from the very first moment that he is ready to meet with Putin, who leaks that he is equally ready for a meeting provided that this is justified by the facts and the subject of the dialogue.
The Russian President's side means that we will see a meeting of leaders only if the Ukrainian President accepts the proposal on the table that Moscow presents as final. A formal meeting in which an agreement will be sealed on the basis of the Russian proposal and nothing else.
In contrast, Zelensky is seeking the meeting to negotiate in detail some of the aspects he considers open at the summit level. He believes that this should be the outcome, following the step he took to publicly state that he can discuss the conditions set by the other side.
One way or another Ukrainian government has made it clear that it is not opposed to discussing the secession of Donbass, recognition of Crimea's status and a commitment not to join NATO. Thus Zelensky will remain President of an autonomous Ukraine, whose geographical borders will be limited.
Ostensibly this is an agreement that could be made outside the tragedy of war. To be resolved through dialogue and let the citizens of the disputed territories decide their own future.
Now time is not turning back. When there is the smell of blood around the table of any discussion, any agreement will not be enough to heal the wounds. Even if there is an agreement on paper, which leader will sign the acceptance of responsibility for the evil done
The thousands of dead, the immense destruction, the millions of refugees. The lives changed in one day. Even the billions spent on the battlefield, while the people of the two countries have no money for even the basics. Who can bear this burden?
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
