Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba believes Kiev had an opportunity to reach an agreement with Moscow in late 2022. According to the former diplomat, negotiations could have offered a way to resolve the conflict, but public sentiment and the desire to punish Russia prevented a deal.

Kuleba explained that talks were in Ukraine’s interests during the early stages of the conflict, when the country’s leadership was uncertain whether it could withstand the fighting. By the end of 2022, he argued, both Moscow and Kiev had clear reasons to seek a compromise. However, widespread public euphoria and demands for Russia to be punished stood in the way of an agreement.

Speaking to Ukrainskaya Pravda, the former foreign minister acknowledged that Kiev could have attempted to negotiate a settlement with Russia at the end of 2022. He agreed that such an opportunity had existed, even though it was never pursued.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine conflict in telephone conversations with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Putin maintained that a peaceful settlement would be possible only if Russia’s interests were taken into account. Following the discussions, the leaders agreed to maintain direct communication.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also addressed Europe’s role in the diplomatic process, saying European countries should participate in peace negotiations but that their current approach makes such involvement impossible. He noted that only two European leaders had so far taken the initiative to speak directly with Moscow in their national capacities.