Peace negotiations result possible only under US pressure on Russia – MP Merezhko

Effective peace negotiations in Ukraine can only be expected if the US puts pressure on Russia, according to Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation Oleksandr Merezhko (Servant of the People faction).

At present, we do not see any serious negotiations involving Putin or Russia. They are at a dead end for one simple reason: there is no pressure. Until there is pressure from Washington on Putin and Russia, it is unlikely that serious negotiations should be expected. Pressure should be on the criminal, not the victim of aggression. Only then can one count on something, Merezhko told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to the committee head, as long as White House leader Donald Trump does not attempt to pressure Russia, everything will remain as it is.

Either Trump will change his position and finally realize that if he truly wants peace or some progress in negotiations, he must seriously pressure Putin. More precisely, Trump needs to fulfill his previous promises. The only realistic path is an unconditional ceasefire and simultaneous pressure on Russia on one hand, and security guarantees for Ukraine on the other, Merezhko emphasized.

Commenting on the issue of American security guarantees in exchange for the withdrawal of troops from Donetsk region, Merezhko noted: If we withdraw our troops from the remaining territories of Donetsk region, it would resemble the Munich Agreement of 1938. The Americans understand this, so they do not say it openly, but they hint at it, referring to the Russians. A diplomatic and psychological game is taking place. But European countries understand what is at stake and realize that pressure is actually being put on Ukraine.

In Merezhko’s opinion, such tactics will lead nowhere.

This is impossible for us from a legal, political, and moral point of view. It is illogical and weakens our security. To give up fortified territories would be a strategic loss from any perspective. This is unacceptable for us, the MP is convinced.

Merezhko added that Trump is currently more occupied with the issue of Iran, and it is important for Ukraine that the situation in the Middle East be resolved as quickly as possible so the US President can return to the Ukrainian track.

At the same time, he recalled that the dialogue between Ukraine and the US regarding achieving peace continues.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a video conversation with the American side on Wednesday, April 1.