Only force can make Russia sit at the negotiating table – military expert Katkov

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.  

"There are no mechanisms to bring Putin to the negotiating table other than the threat of force. Since 2014, the Kremlin has repeatedly shown that any agreements with it are purely ephemeral. Whether such agreements will be honored always depends on whether there is a 'stick' that can punish them for violations. Therefore, I objectively hope that there is some mechanism to influence Russia in case they violate ceasefire agreements again. And we understand that all of this depends on the United States. Because even any European initiatives are tied to U.S. actions," Katkov said.  

The expert emphasized that the U.S. must understand that Russia can violate the ceasefire at any moment and blame Ukraine for it.  

"If the U.S. presents an alternative—saying that Russia must agree to a comprehensive ceasefire and adhere to it, and that any violation will result in even greater consequences—that could work. Because we understand that if such a ceasefire is established, there will be no peacekeepers or half-blind international organizations involved. This would be a ceasefire with guarantees from both sides not to violate it. However, Russia is already talking about certain guarantees, and soon the same old narrative will begin: that they are not responsible, and everyone is against them. The key question in this situation remains whether the U.S. is ready to recognize this and maintain control over the process," he added.

U.S.-Ukraine negotiations in Saudi Arabia  

On March 11, a meeting between the Ukrainian and American delegations took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. As a result, Kyiv agreed to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, while the U.S. committed to resuming intelligence sharing and security assistance.  

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope after the U.S.-Ukraine negotiations that Russia would agree to a temporary ceasefire.  

Meanwhile, White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced that President Donald Trump had decided to immediately lift the pause on military aid to Ukraine following the talks.  

Trump also expressed hope that Russia would agree to a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine.  

EU's High Representative Kaja Kallas issued a statement in which the EU welcomed the joint decision of Ukraine and the United States following the negotiations and expressed readiness to fully participate in steps toward achieving peace.  

Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy Yermak stated that discussions on the details of the ceasefire in Ukraine would begin next week.  

On March 12, Reuters, citing sources, reported that Russian sources reacted cautiously to the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine had supported. 

• Ukrainian politician and diplomat Roman Bezsmertnyi shared his opinion on the topics that will be discussed during the negotiations in Saudi Arabia.