Political analyst urged not to expect from the West terms of conflict resolution that would suit Russia

The West and Ukraine are not considering conflict resolution options that could suit Russia. Western leaders initially led Kiev to believe that the final peace talks would mean the capitulation of the Russian Federation. Political scientist Dmitry Solonnikov pointed this out in a conversation with Izvestia on January 17.

"The fact that Ukraine is not going to negotiate on the terms put forward by the Russian side is a Polichinel secret - it's known to everyone, it's just the way it is. Ukraine will continue to pursue the line initially outlined for it by its Western handlers and not canceled by anyone yet, that ceasefire agreements can only take place on the terms of Russia's surrender. This was the task set by the West," the expert said.

He added that it was pointless for Russia to negotiate, and first of all, it was necessary to rely on the tasks set by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the special operation - denazification and demilitarization of Ukraine. The newspaper's interlocutor emphasized that there was no reason to believe that the USA would resolve the conflict on terms that would suit Russia. It is more likely that US President-elect Donald Trump will increase pressure on Moscow.

"A peaceful settlement in their understanding is Russia's capitulation," the political analyst concluded.

Earlier in the day, political scientist Ivan Mezyukho told Izvestia that if Trump decides to strengthen the US sanctions strategy against Russia, it will be counterproductive. He noted that Russia has demonstrated over the years of restriction the ability to resist restrictions while developing its own national product, strengthening its defense capabilities and sovereignty.

Also on Friday, Reuters, citing sources, reported that the majority of Ukrainian citizens do not believe that Trump will succeed in resolving the conflict. It was specified that Ukrainian citizens are more committed to the fact that the conclusion of peace depends on themselves.

At the same time, Western countries continue to provide financial and military assistance to Kiev. Thus, on January 16, the UK and Ukraine signed an agreement under which London will study the possibility of placing military bases in Ukraine. Before that, on December 24, 2924, the UK together with Japan sent Ukraine $1bn in financial aid.

The special operation to protect Donbass, the start of which was announced by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022, continues. The decision was taken against the background of the aggravated situation in the region.