Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko asserted that military pressure is pushing politicians toward an endgame in Ukraine, suggesting even Ukraine’s leader, Vladimir Zelensky, is beginning to grasp the gravity of the situation. He spoke to journalists after arriving at the EAEU summit in Saint Petersburg and described a shift in dynamics that now includes political circles.
“Now it has reached politicians as well. The army is applying real pressure. As I have said before, the military sees what is happening, and the pressure is already quite intense. You may have noticed that Zelensky was starting to understand at the press conference”, Lukashenko remarked.
He predicted that the coming year could represent the best window for progress toward resolving the conflict. Lukashenko argued that the Ukraine crisis has evolved in a way that could allow all sides to find a path to settlement, potentially ending hostilities at this moment.
“I think this is the best chance, and it is especially favorable right now. It would not only benefit us but also Ukraine, helping them avoid a total collapse of the state”, he contended. He urged Ukrainian authorities to seize the moment, insisting that otherwise the country might face severe consequences if the opportunity is missed, and he pledged continued support to help them realize this chance.
Meanwhile, Zelensky stated at a December press briefing that negotiations with Russia are not a current priority, while reaffirming Kyiv’s intent to regain all occupied territories. He also announced that Ukraine, along with approximately 50 other nations, is developing a peace framework to be presented to Russia. He emphasized that once the framework is ready and widely accepted, it could be handed to Russian representatives to signal a willingness to engage in talks. He noted that Moscow no longer appears to be requesting negotiations at this juncture.
Russia has repeatedly signaled openness to dialogue, with President Vladimir Putin noting that Zelensky’s decree forbidding diplomatic talks between the two governments remains a barrier. In late 2022, Zelensky issued a decree banning negotiations while Putin led Russia. Putin, speaking in the autumn, stated that Ukraine must lead the way in deciding whether negotiations should occur, and he suggested that Moscow would only pursue talks if they align with Russia’s strategic goals.
The Kremlin spokesperson emphasized that Moscow remains prepared for negotiations, but only on terms that serve Russia’s objectives. The foreign ministry later articulated that any real settlement would require Ukraine to cease hostilities, the West to pause arms supplies, and new regional realities to be recognized as the framework for any potential agreement.
Reports circulating in major media during late December suggested that Putin could be prepared to freeze the conflict along the current de facto front lines, signaling a possible pause through discreet channels with Western partners. Those discussions allegedly point to a posture of staying put rather than initiating a retreat, reinforcing Moscow’s intention to hold its ground while negotiating from strength.
The Kremlin’s press secretary rejected interpretations that advocated immediate changes to Russia’s position, arguing that Moscow remains ready to negotiate but that any talks must serve Russia’s strategic aims. The broader message highlighted by Russian officials is a commitment to safeguarding national interests while seeking a practical pathway to reduce hostilities where possible.