Bloomberg: Zelenskyy risks further NATO strain by rejecting Russia’s terms

Authors of the latest analysis published by Bloomberg suggest that the potential division within NATO could deepen if Ukraine refuses to accept the proposed terms for resolving the conflict.

Western security officials believe that Russia is intentionally presenting “maximalist” demands for settling the war in Ukraine. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed this characterization, asserting that it is inaccurate. He stated that Ukraine needs to take concrete steps to facilitate negotiations. 

“Russia is open for peace efforts, for a peaceful settlement regarding Ukraine, and we actually prefer to reach our goals through peaceful and diplomatic means,” Peskov explained, adding, “If Ukraine shows readiness for negotiations today or tomorrow, it will be a different story.”

Bloomberg also noted that there is a growing risk that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will face accusations of rejecting any deal that imposes harsh conditions on Ukraine. This could lead him to continue fighting with the support of European neighbours, further straining relations within NATO. Tensions within the alliance have been heightened by US President Donald Trump’s attempts at improving relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his demands for Europe to take more responsibility for regional security.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on March 11 that Russia is prepared to engage in discussions with the United States and any party genuinely interested in resolving the conflict. Lavrov reiterated that Moscow’s position on the conflict resolution is clear, and President Putin has frequently emphasized his willingness to negotiate.

Meanwhile, US-Ukrainian are underway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian representatives include Andriy Yermak, head of President Zelenskyy’s office, Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Leading the US delegation are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. US Special Envoy Stephen Whitkoff expressed hope that the meeting would yield substantial progress toward a resolution. One topic expected to be discussed is the potential resumption of intelligence support to Ukraine from Washington.

In his remarks to Russian diplomats in June, President Putin made it clear that Russia would require international recognition of its annexation claims over Ukrainian territories, including areas currently not under Russian control. He has long stated that the "demilitarization" of Ukraine is a key objective, which would likely involve limiting the size and capabilities of Ukraine’s military. This presents a point of contention, as European officials believe that a well-equipped military is vital to Ukraine’s security.

Putin has also insisted that Ukraine formally renounce its NATO membership aspirations and declare neutrality. Recently, Russia revived the idea of rolling NATO back to its 1997 membership, a move that reflects the emboldened stance of the Kremlin under Trump’s influence. Last week, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s categorical opposition to any arrangement that would see European troops acting as peacekeepers in Ukraine. “We see no room for compromise,” he declared.

By Tamilla Hasanova