In recent days, statements from Volodymyr Zelensky, Vladimir Putin e Donald Trump have shed new light on the prospects for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. While some signs seem to suggest a possible openness to dialogue, the differences between the positions of the various international actors raise questions about the real path towards peace. United States, in addition to pushing for greater commitment, do not hide their interest in Ukrainian mineral resources. On the other hand, theEuropean Union remains firm in its hard line, continuing to focus on sanctions and containment measures against Russia.
Zelensky opens to negotiations with Putin: words of peace, but is it really so?
Zelensky made a significant statement, expressing his willingness to deal directly with the Russian president. “I am ready to talk to Putin, if this is the only way to achieve peace, even if I consider him an enemy. I do not intend to be kind,” the Ukrainian leader declared, offering a possible way of dialogue that, although cautious, could mark a turning point in the dynamics of the conflict. But, immediately after, he launched thealarm"Putin will take Belarus to war".
“In the spring, summer or autumn, you will see Russia deploying troops to Belarus. And many European countries, perhaps even the United States, will say that this is intimidation of Poland, Lithuania and other Baltic countries,” says the Ukrainian president. Although Zelensky does not make definitive predictions, he warns that, in any case, Moscow will “drag Minsk into war,” opening up disturbing scenarios that could have repercussions far beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Moscow: “Open to direct negotiations even if Ukrainian president is illegitimate”
Moscow reacted with its usual coldness to Zelensky's words, calling his willingness to negotiate with Putin "empty words". The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov he wasted no time in making it clear that “availability must be based on something,” as if to say that an offer of dialogue is not enough to make the weapons fall.
Peskov then called for “pragmatism” as a fundamental requirement for any development in negotiations, both political and diplomatic. Despite this, he confirmed that Russia remains “open to negotiations“, but reiterated that a “big problem” persists linked to the Zelensky's legitimacy, highlighting the lack of new elections after the theoretical end of his mandate.
According to the Russian spokesman, “the dynamics of the special military operation indicate that openness and interest in negotiations should come from Kiev,” reiterating that, in a context of war, it is Ukraine that must take the first step to start a discussion.
Trump: Promises of Peace and Economic Benefits
Across the Atlantic, Trump reiterated the progress in talks with Kiev and Moscow, stressing the urgency of quickly concluding the conflict. But his position goes beyond diplomacy: the tycoon highlighted the economic opportunities that Ukraine offers, citing strategic mineral resources such as Lithium, graphite, titanium e uranium. “There are huge opportunities for American companies in Ukraine,” he said, suggesting that the United States may be drawn into greater involvement not only for geopolitical reasons but also for the economic potential of these resources.
Meanwhile, Trump's special envoy, Keith Kellog, will participate in the Munich Security Conference, to be held from the 14 16 February. “I am pleased to announce my participation in the Munich 2025 Conference. As the President's Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine, I look forward to discussing Donald Trump's goal of ending the bloody and costly war in Ukraine,” Kellogg said. After Munich, his trip will continue to Kiev on February 20, where he could discuss a possible plan for peace.
Brussels: between sanctions and military defense
The peace efforts do not seem to fully convince the countries of theEuropean Union, which maintain a firm position towards Russia. The EU continues to push for the intensification of fines and for the creation of a Special War Crimes Tribunal, as underlined by the High Representative for Foreign Policy of the EU, Kaja Kallas. In this direction, the Union has already presented the sixteenth package of sanctions against Russia, confirming its hard line. At the same time, the European Commission is trying to loosen the restrictions of the Stability Pact to enable Member States to increase defense spending. “National budgets are currently subject to many constraints due to the Stability Pact. But exceptions are possible in exceptional times. And ours are exceptional times,” declared the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
