30 January 2025, 10:04

Azarov reflects on Russia-Ukraine peace prospects

Screetshot of the video by BelTA

MINSK, 30 January (BelTA) – In the latest episode of the V Teme [On Point] project on BelTA's YouTube channel, former Prime Minister of Ukraine (2010-2014) Nikolai Azarov reflected on the prospects for a peaceful settlement between Russia and Ukraine.

“All sensible people, patriots of their countries, have a great desire to end this conflict as quickly as possible. Believe me, this desire is huge. I understand Aleksandr Grigorievich perfectly well, but a number of questions arise. What do we want? A truce, a temporary respite, or long-term peace? Certain conditions should be in place for peace to last,” the politician said.

He believes that with the current Ukrainian government, the resolution of the conflict may not be sustainable. “I see the main problem in the incumbent regime in Kiev. I do not know whether any agreements reached with this regime will last. This is an illegitimate, absolutely Nazi regime, which has turned the country into a kind of concentration camp,” Nikolai Azarov said.

“In fact, almost all people are banned from leaving the country. People are being rounded up, and there are no opposition political parties in the country. And just imagine that some agreements will be signed with such a regime. But who will really believe that they will be sustainable and bring peace to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, all European countries, and so on?” the former prime minister of Ukraine asked.

“Therefore, in my opinion, this regime, which was established after the coup d'etat, is absolutely illegal and illegitimate. Some kind of agreement may come about. It is possible that Trump, for example, with his determination, will give a command to Zelensky and the likes to sit down at the negotiating table and sign any agreement that is dictated to them. And Trump will certainly come to terms with Russia by that time. But I have no idea whether these agreements will be honored,” Nikolai Azarov added.