Putin’s desire to destroy Ukrainians remains main obstacle to peace - MP Knyazhytskyi

This perspective was shared by Ukrainian MP Mykola Knyazhytskyi during a broadcast on the Pryamyi TV channel.

Knyazhytskyi noted that while U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s desire to achieve peace is a positive factor, the key condition for establishing a just peace lies in a shift in Russia's stance. 

"Trump's desire for peace is positive. We, Ukrainians, want peace to be just, based on the principles of world order and the rule of law, with the punishment of scoundrels like Putin," emphasized the MP.

However, he expressed doubt about the possibility of achieving peace in 2025, stressing that this depends not only on the efforts of the international community but also on the position of the Russian president himself. "If the Americans help us do everything to make Putin change this desire and disappear from the global political arena, it will be the right and quickest path to peace," Knyazhytskyi concluded.

The MP also highlighted the importance of continued Western support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, which has been ongoing for over nine years.

• Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated that Ukraine must relinquish its territories, thereby confirming that Russia has no interest in engaging in good-faith negotiations.
• Ukrainian Defense Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov believes that Russia is still capable of continuing its war against Ukraine at its current level of intensity.