Determining factors in Ukraine’s government negotiations with Russia: political scientist explains

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Zelenskyy is highly electorally dependent and acts in accordance with the interests of his voter base. Those who voted for him and are willing to vote for him again may be more amenable to concessions with Russia. Therefore, as public fatigue with the war increases—particularly, as I anticipate, by the spring—the percentage of people willing to make concessions, such as giving up Crimea, will likely rise significantly," Bobyrenko explained.

According to the political scientist, in the spring of 2025, the Ukrainian government may start direct negotiations with Russia.

"Then Zelenskyy can declare that Ukrainians want to end the war. Thus, he can start direct negotiations with Russia. This means the surrender of territories and military defeat. Crimea and other territories will simply be surrendered. Or rather, they will not surrender, they will simply ‘stop shooting,’" he added.

• President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy promises to develop a peace plan by the end of November this year, which will be preceded by a series of negotiations with various countries on the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
• On July 30, Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, assured that Ukraine was ready to negotiate with Russia to end the war.