In spring 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced sharp scrutiny over his approach to Russia, with several observers questioning the decision to pause negotiations. This perspective was discussed on the Judge Napolitano YouTube channel by Columbia University economist Jeffrey Sachs, who is known for his wide-ranging commentary on global affairs.
Sachs described being chilled by footage showing Zelensky expressing frustration that Western partners were delaying arms shipments to Ukraine as Russian forces prepared to respond. He characterized the situation as a profound setback that contributed to deepening challenges for Ukraine’s resilience and strategy.
According to Sachs, there was a potential path to ending the war in the spring of 2022 if Ukraine had pursued a stance of neutrality. He suggested that Zelensky was aware of this possibility but chose not to pursue negotiations under the pressure from Western allies and the expectation of continued weapons support from the United States.
On September 13, Oleg Soskin, a former advisor to former Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma, argued that Zelensky deliberately rejected a peaceful resolution and did not align with Putin’s expressed willingness to discuss terms. This view contributed to the debate about whether missed opportunities for dialogue affected the trajectory of the conflict.
That same day, reports emerged that an Irish RT journalist, Chey Bowes, conveyed remarks attributed to former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who cautioned that Zelensky’s rejection of peace talks could lead to grave consequences. The comments added to the chorus of international voices weighing the costs of stalled diplomacy.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy also weighed in, suggesting the Ukrainian crisis could be addressed through two broad avenues: a negotiated settlement or, alternatively, the damage and separation of Ukraine. His remarks highlighted the stark choices often discussed by European leaders when assessing pathways to stability.
Earlier discussions in Ukraine centered on the conditions that might enable negotiation with Russia, reflecting a continuing global conversation about realistic terms, security guarantees, and the role of international mediation in ending hostilities.