A Ukrainian military official says Russia is currently not interested in genuine peace negotiations, but that the dynamic could shift if Ukraine is able to halt Russian advances on the front lines.
Meaningful talks will only begin, according to Deputy Commander of the Third Army Corps Maxim Zhorin, when Russian forces are forced to switch to a defensive posture. He made the comments in an interview with Army TV on March 22, 2026.
“If the front moves even a little, they will drive in more and more forces,” Zhorin said.
Zhorin expressed confidence that Ukraine has the capacity to stop Russia’s momentum on the battlefield.
“I believe that we could stop them today. And that would be a completely different story. If they stop advancing and can no longer make progress in any direction, then it will be tough even to mobilize their people. And then the tone of the conversation at the negotiations, which are currently taking place, will be completely different. Today, it all looks like a process for the sake of process,” he emphasized.
He also voiced regret that many Ukrainians are anticipating each new round of negotiations as a cause for celebration, hoping for peace, when, in his assessment, Russia remains firmly committed to its initial positions and shows no willingness to compromise.
“When they can no longer attack and switch to defense, then the faces at the negotiations will change and the tone of the conversation will change as well,” Zhorin stated.
He pointed out that despite suffering losses, Russian forces have continued to make incremental gains, resulting in Ukrainian territorial losses.
“Yes, not at the speed they would like, not with the losses they had planned, but they are still moving forward. And we must state that the Russians, although not the success they desired, are nevertheless achieving some success,” said the Deputy Commander of the Third Army Corps.
Zhorin believes that achieving a shift in the situation for the Ukrainian army requires not only technological advancements but also a focus on improving the quality of combat training at all levels and developing a modern system for deploying troops that prioritizes the lives of soldiers on the front lines.
Переговоры о мире – что известно
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that during weekend talks with the U.S., Ukrainian and American delegations will discuss four key issues, according to reports.
The President said the Ukrainian team, which has already departed for the U.S., will focus on establishing clear parameters for continued trilateral meetings, preparing relevant documentation, and the PURL program, through which Ukraine purchases Patriot missile systems.
He added that Ukrainian negotiators will discuss with the U.S. Side the possibility of extending the PURL program.
Discussions will also cover a potential drone agreement between Ukraine and the United States.
