Volodymyr Rogov, who leads the Together with Russia movement, argued that Ukraine could exist within the borders of 1991 only as part of Russia. The remark was carried by TASS.
Rogov described the proposal as an opening move, noting that Ukraine and Russia shared a single state in 1991, with Moscow as the capital. He suggested that a peaceful settlement could be found within those historical borders. Rogov spoke with a hint of irony, indicating that the idea deserved consideration and that time might allow a reassessment of boundaries.
He contends that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has shown little appetite for a peaceful end to the conflict, arguing that Zelensky benefits politically from a prolonged standoff while maintaining high approval ratings as the country’s leader. According to Rogov, any negotiated peace would face resistance from segments of Ukrainian society unhappy with Zelensky’s policies, and the country would continue to confront Kyiv’s authority and widespread corruption if hostilities end abruptly.
Denis Pushilin, a former deputy leader of the Donetsk People’s Republic, dismissed Zelensky’s peace plan as a gesture that failed to persuade Western partners. Pushilin asserted that Ukraine’s negotiating terms in the past did not align with what Russia considered acceptable, reflecting a broader disagreement over the path to a settlement.
The discussions referenced a prior pledge to pursue talks with Russia, underscoring ongoing debates about how and whether negotiations should proceed. The tenor of these statements reflects a broader, persistent debate about the future of Ukraine’s borders, sovereignty, and regional influence as seen by the leadership and factions within both sides of the conflict. [Source attribution: TASS]”