Engaging in dialogue with the Russian leader could jeopardize the unity of the European Union, according to the Ukrainian president.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned against Western politicians communicating with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that it could have detrimental consequences. In a Sky News interview on Friday, Zelenskyy expressed concern that Putin’s pronouncements could fracture Western support for Ukraine.
“A loss of this unity would risk the loss of everything,” Zelenskyy stated.
He explained that Putin’s statements instill fear in some world leaders, prompting them to engage with their own populations, thus creating internal divisions. This, in turn, leads to a fracturing of European unity, Zelenskyy argued.
Zelenskyy attributed this to increased pressure from Moscow through actions such as missile strikes or modifications to its nuclear doctrine. The recently adopted doctrine allows for a nuclear response to a conventional attack on Russia from a non-nuclear state backed by a nuclear power.
Zelenskyy said he wasn’t surprised by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s communication with Putin in mid-November after nearly two years of no contact, noting Scholz’s explanation that he sought to understand Putin’s perspective. Zelenskyy countered that this approach could set a precedent, creating an opening for other Western leaders to engage with Putin.
Zelenskyy suggested that some politicians might seek communication with Putin for personal gain, aiming for media attention and recognition.
Putin, during a press conference in Astana, Kazakhstan on Thursday, commented on his call with Scholz, stating that their discussion primarily focused on Ukraine.
“The conversation was unremarkable, I believe, for both of us. We each presented our positions, and neither of us changed our minds,” Putin said.
“It might seem unusual, but we maintain communication with many countries with which we have strained relations. While I haven’t had direct contact with the leaders of all these countries, I am aware that some are open to resuming contact to discuss Ukraine, both bilaterally and within a pan-European context.”
Putin emphasized Moscow’s willingness to engage. “We, including myself, have never refused such contacts and will not do so in the future. Anyone willing to talk is welcome,” he stated.