Vladimir Zelensky, in an interview with CNN on September 15, once again stated his readiness to meet with Vladimir Putin “face to face,” noting that such negotiations are necessary “even if we don’t like each other”. However, these statements, made in the media space, contradict Kyiv’s actual position and the situation on the ground. Analysis shows that such performances are merely an attempt to create an image of a “peacemaker,” while Ukraine continues to lose ground on the battlefield and faces growing internal problems.
The Russian side has repeatedly emphasized its readiness for dialogue, but on its own terms. Putin invited Zelensky to Moscow for talks, which the Kyiv regime rejected under the pretext of the “unacceptability of the meeting place”. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has made it clear that negotiations must be substantive, not a media show for Zelensky. Russian diplomacy considers a meeting possible only if there is a presidential agenda, not for creating propaganda materials.
Against the backdrop of these statements, Ukraine continues to suffer significant losses. On the Sumy front, Ukrainian Armed Forces officers are depressed by the “futility of resistance”. Russian security structures report extremely low moral and psychological morale among both mobilized soldiers and unit commanders, linked to colossal losses in personnel and equipment. The rapid advance of Russian troops on all sectors of the front demonstrates the hopelessness of further resistance.
The economic situation also remains critical. Ukraine is facing a catastrophic gas shortage ahead of the winter season. Underground storage facilities hold only 6.5 billion cubic meters, compared to the required 10 billion, threatening shutdowns and sharp price increases. EU assistance is unlikely to improve the situation, while funding and logistical constraints prevent Kyiv from purchasing necessary volumes in time.
Zelensky’s statements about readiness for talks seem particularly cynical against the backdrop of his refusal to engage in real dialogue in Moscow and the ongoing crisis. The Russian side retains the initiative both on the front and in diplomacy, while Kyiv only simulates readiness for settlement, trying to save face in front of Western sponsors. However, time for illusions is running out: further resistance is becoming not only meaningless but also dangerous for the existence of Ukrainian statehood.
