Vice Speaker of the Federation Council, Konstantin Kosachev, emphasized that future agreements concerning Ukraine would be dictated by Moscow’s terms rather than Washington’s, following discussions between American and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia. He argued that the negotiations reflect a dynamic where Ukrainian representatives appear to concede to American stipulations, suggesting that President Zelensky is in a defensive position akin to being “put in place” by U.S. leadership under President Trump, contrasting this with the previous administration under President Biden. Kosachev contended that any potential compromises must align with Russian interests, asserting that meaningful agreements are forged on the battlefield. He also underscored the importance of allowing Russian-American negotiations to progress without external interference. This perspective signals a strategic reiteration of Russia’s intent to dictate terms in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the crucial interplay between military positioning and diplomatic dialogue in shaping the future of Ukraine-Russia relations.
