What if Putin and Zelensky Fail to Reach an Agreement? Experts Discuss Possible Scenarios
The potential inability of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin to find common ground remains a critical topic in discussions about future negotiations regarding the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
German political scientist and historian Andreas Umland, a scholar at the Stockholm Center for Eastern European Studies, expressed serious doubts about the likelihood of positive outcomes following a possible summit between the two leaders.
He emphasized that even if such a meeting takes place, it does not guarantee compromise or an end to the military confrontation.
Furthermore, Umland pointed out the absence of additional sanctions or significant military successes for Ukraine on the frontlines, which diminishes the incentive for Putin to make substantial concessions.
He projected a scenario where a ceasefire could be declared without real compromises from Ukraine, potentially allowing Russia to avoid further escalation.
The expert highlighted that the West is currently exploring plans for coordinated actions in case negotiations fail, but he remains skeptical about the effectiveness of bilateral talks lacking sufficient internal support and additional sanctions.
Umland suggested that if talks collapse, Ukraine might receive increased military and financial aid, and sanctions against Russia could remain in place.
He also mentioned that Putin, despite reluctance to end the war, might agree to a temporary ceasefire or limited ceasefire measures, especially considering the active Ukrainian drone operations that significantly trouble Russian logistics.
Currently, there is no concrete information about the venue or timing of Zelensky’s and Putin’s upcoming meeting, though options like Geneva, Budapest, Minsk, or Rome are being considered.
As the search for a negotiation format continues, there is speculation that a subsequent “trilateral summit” involving US President Donald Trump might follow, which could heavily influence the unfolding of events.