Ukrainian MP Yevheniia Kravchuk tells DW what the US could do to pressure Russia to a ceasefire

Key Concepts:

• Peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
• Ceasefire agreement
• Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine
• International sanctions against Russia
• Ukrainian territorial integrity
• Role of the United States and other international actors
• Prisoner swaps

Ukraine's Perspective on Peace Negotiations

• Zelensky's Presence in Turkey: The Ukrainian delegation, led by President Zelensky, demonstrated Ukraine's desire for peace by attending meetings in Turkey. This contrasted with Putin's absence, suggesting Russia's lack of genuine interest in peace.
• Ceasefire Hopes: Ukraine hopes that the delegation in Turkey can at least agree on a ceasefire, even if they need to consult with the Kremlin frequently. The ultimate goal is to have peace talks that lead to tangible results during the ceasefire.
• Putin's Intentions: The speaker personally doubts Putin's genuine interest in ending the war or agreeing to a ceasefire. However, she hopes that decisions made by partners, particularly regarding sanctions, will pressure Russia to seek peace.

Back Channel Communications

• Limited Communication: The only existing communication channel between Ukraine and Russia is for prisoner swaps, involving the return of Ukrainian soldiers and a small number of civilians.
• Decision-Making Authority: Back channels cannot replace the decision-making power of Putin and President Zelensky, as well as the involvement of the United States and Europe.

Role of the United States

• Trump's Proposal: Donald Trump suggested that a deal would require a meeting between him and Vladimir Putin.
• Ukraine's Position: Ukraine believes that Russia is solely responsible for the war and should end the invasion. The speaker questions why anyone would want to call Putin if he hadn't invaded Ukraine and initiated the conflict.
• Pressure on Russia: Ukraine wants the American administration to increase pressure on Russia as the aggressor. They emphasize that Ukraine is not the problem; Russia is.

Means of Pressuring Russia

• Sanctions: Ukraine expects further sanctions from the EU and, particularly, secondary sanctions from the United States, which would significantly harm the Russian economy. The Russian economy currently has zero GDP growth.
• Military Aid: Cooperation with Ukraine and military aid are crucial to show Putin that he must agree to terms and end the war or face an adequate response.

Conditions for Peace Talks and Territorial Integrity

• Territorial Integrity: Ukraine will never recognize occupied territories as Russian. President Zelensky is committed to upholding the Ukrainian constitution, which forbids compromising the country's territorial integrity.
• Diplomatic Resolution: Occupied Ukrainian territories should and could be returned through diplomatic means, not military force.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's not just President Zilinski who showed up it's the whole Ukrainian delegation... showing uh the the signs that Ukraine does want peace."
• "I never expected uh Putin to show up. I mean he doesn't leave the bunker that easily."
• "Putin wants um to be uh you know someone uh that everyone wants to reach. Actually who would want to call Putin if he wouldn't invade Ukraine?"
• "Ukraine is not a problem. Uh it's Russia uh that is a problem because they started it and they should end it."
• "President Zlanski is the guarantee of Ukrainian constitution and Ukrainian constitution directly forbids to u you know do something with the territorial integrity of our country."

Technical Terms and Concepts:

• Servant of the People Party: President Zelensky's political party in Ukraine.
• Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting.
• Sanctions: Economic or political penalties imposed on a country to force a change in policy.
• Secondary Sanctions: Sanctions that target entities or individuals who do business with the sanctioned country.
• GDP (Gross Domestic Product): A measure of a country's economic output.
• Territorial Integrity: The principle that a country's borders should not be violated.

Logical Connections:

The discussion flows logically from the initial observation of Zelensky's presence in Turkey to the broader issues of peace negotiations, international pressure on Russia, and Ukraine's unwavering stance on territorial integrity. The speaker connects the lack of Putin's presence to Russia's lack of genuine interest in peace. The conversation then moves to the role of the US and the potential impact of sanctions and military aid. Finally, it addresses the fundamental condition for peace talks: the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The interview highlights Ukraine's commitment to peace while underscoring the challenges posed by Russia's continued aggression. The speaker emphasizes the importance of international pressure, particularly through sanctions and military aid, to compel Russia to negotiate in good faith. A key takeaway is Ukraine's firm stance on territorial integrity, which remains a non-negotiable condition for any lasting peace agreement. The interview paints a picture of a nation seeking peace but resolute in defending its sovereignty and territorial boundaries.