18 January 2026, 10:22

Analyst: Ukraine talks hinge on frontline situation and peace deal bargaining

Reuters

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MINSK, 18 January (BelTA) – Negotiations on Ukraine depend on the situation on the frontlines and the progress of the peace process, political observer with the media group Rossiya Segodnya Vladimir Kornilov said in a new episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA’s YouTube channel.

“I sincerely hope that we will achieve victory and, consequently, a lasting, long-term peace that would ensure the security of Russia and its southwestern borders,” stated Vladimir Kornilov. “This means a return to peaceful life, the rebuilding of my native Donbass from devastation, and the full restoration of transport links with this region. But much depends on how the situation develops at the front and on how all this negotiation over the peace process unfolds.”

According to the political observer, the negotiations could take several more months. He believes that the more the West is distracted by its own problems, the more promising the situation appears.

“It is good for us that they have switched to their internal problems. We should have only one principle in our relationship with them: ‘devour each other.’ The more they are distracted by their own problems, the easier it will be for us, for our soldiers,” Vladimir Kornilov said. “Moreover, we actively urge them: just deal with your internal problems (they have more than enough of them) and leave Ukraine alone. Let us finally reach that peace deal, which we could have easily achieved back in 2022, when we reached certain peace agreements in Istanbul. Mind you, on terms much more favorable for Ukraine than it currently enjoys.”