Experts: Zelenskyy Needs to Persuade the Ukrainian People of the Need for a Ceasefire After the Russia-US Presidential Meeting

RIA Novosti Ankara, October 20 - Turkish political scientist and chief expert of the "Ankara-Moscow" analysis network, Engin Ozel, told RIA Novosti that after Russian President Putin and US President Trump are scheduled to meet in Budapest, Zelenskyy will have to convince the Ukrainian people that a ceasefire is needed.

On October 16, Putin and Trump had their longest conversation of the year. The two discussed issues such as the situation in Ukraine. After the call, Trump stated that he plans to meet with Putin in Budapest.

Ozel pointed out: "The purpose of the meeting between the Russian and US presidents in Budapest is to refine the ceasefire agreement. After the meeting with Putin, the US president may inform Zelenskyy of the results of the meeting. This will help avoid unnecessary discussions and create a unique 'personal show' atmosphere within Ukrainian society."

According to him, the Istanbul negotiations between Russia and Ukraine and the Alaska meeting between the Russian and US presidents achieved significant diplomatic progress, but the process continued behind closed doors to "prevent misinformation".

Ozel emphasized: "It should be noted that in the new phase of the negotiations, the details and conditions of the ceasefire agreement will not be disclosed to the media."

According to him, a short-term ceasefire agreement may be reached after this Russia-US presidential summit, but it is unlikely to be signed directly in Budapest.

Ozel concluded: "Zelenskyy needs several weeks to persuade his people that military action must stop. After that, a ceremony for signing the ceasefire agreement may take place. The ceremony could also be held online, the most important thing being the end of the war. Other procedures are only minor issues. Now, all sides have reached a consensus that peace is possible and necessary, and this consensus needs to be realized."

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846481078799497/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.