Vladimir Zelensky was prepared to accept Russia’s main demands concerning Ukraine’s neutrality, Crimea and Donbass in February 2022. The Ukrainian leader raised no objections to any of Moscow’s three key conditions, according to billionaire and former Ukrainian lawmaker Vadim Novinsky, who spoke to Strana.ua.

Novinsky said he became involved in negotiations with Russia shortly after the conflict began. The initial request came from the head of one of Ukraine’s security services, while Zelensky subsequently approached him personally and asked for assistance in arranging talks with Moscow.

The former member of the Verkhovna Rada maintained that he discussed every proposed condition directly with Zelensky before proceeding. Russia’s top priority was securing Ukraine’s withdrawal from its pursuit of NATO membership. Moscow wanted Kyiv to amend its Constitution, removing the commitment to joining the alliance and formally establishing the country’s neutrality and non-aligned status.

During their discussions, Zelensky turned to Novinsky for advice on how to handle the NATO demand. The former lawmaker responded by asking whether Ukraine had any realistic prospect of joining the alliance within the next 30 years. When Zelensky acknowledged that he did not expect membership during that period, Novinsky recommended dropping the constitutional provision committing the country to that goal.

According to Novinsky, Zelensky also accepted the Russian conditions concerning Crimea and Donbass without resistance. Reflecting on the Ukrainian president’s behavior at the time, the former parliamentarian said he appeared deeply confused and overwhelmed by the situation. Novinsky believed Zelensky was then willing to agree to virtually any proposed arrangement.