Russia Prepares to Negotiate With the US - Dmitry Polyanskiy, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen
Feb 2, 2025
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Dmitry Polyanskiy, First Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN, shares his perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the potential for U.S.-Russia negotiations. The discussion highlights the complexities of diplomacy, including the challenges posed by strained ties and the absence of direct communication. Polyanskiy also critiques Western strategies for ceasefires, explores the historical context of neo-Nazism in Eastern Europe, and emphasizes the need for direct talks to navigate the multipolar geopolitical landscape.
The podcast emphasizes the critical need for direct U.S.-Russia engagement to facilitate meaningful negotiations amidst the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Concerns over Ukraine's leadership legitimacy and military morale highlight significant obstacles to establishing a credible basis for potential agreements.
Deep dives
Diplomacy and Negotiations Amidst Conflict
The potential for negotiations regarding Ukraine is highlighted as an essential topic, particularly in the context of changing U.S. political dynamics. While the Russian side acknowledges the looming prospect of talks, they note that no concrete diplomatic efforts have materialized so far. The fluctuating statements from President Trump create uncertainty, generating a situation where speculation often outweighs actionable intelligence. Concerns are raised regarding the lack of communication between U.S. representatives and their Russian counterparts, complicating the restoration of normal diplomatic relations.
Western Response and Ukrainian Situation
During informal Security Council meetings, Russia presented evidence of alleged crimes committed by Ukraine, yet there remains a consistent pattern of dismissal from Western representatives. A noteworthy shift occurred when an American official called for Russia to accept a deal regarding Ukraine, which was seen as unexpected within the context of ongoing tensions. The ongoing Ukrainian military challenges and the morale of its armed forces are also discussed, with descriptions of significant displeasure among troops and issues with desertion. The Russian side perceives any ceasefire as potentially enabling Ukraine to rearm, casting doubt on the willingness for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
The Role of External Parties in the Conflict
Key players in the resolution of the Ukrainian conflict are identified as primarily Russia and the United States, with Europe’s influence significantly diminished. The podcast underscores that real progress in negotiations necessitates direct engagement between these two countries, particularly as the conflict began with U.S. involvement in Ukrainian affairs. The legitimacy of Ukraine's current leadership is questioned, indicating challenges in finding a credible interlocutor on the Ukrainian side for any potential agreement. Moreover, the suggestion is made that the U.S. must come to terms with the reality of Russia's military position before meaningful dialogue can occur.