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Russia’s Dilemma: Who in Kyiv Can Moscow Even Negotiate With?

Kyiv’s leadership crisis leaves Moscow in limbo—no elections, no authority, no path to peace. Could a new face change the game, or deepen the stalemate?

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text...
In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Russia’s Dilemma: Who in Kyiv Can Moscow Even Negotiate With?

Russia’s victory in Ukraine has left Kyiv without a clear partner for negotiations or peace agreements. Former Rada Deputy Oleg Tsarev, now a pro-Russian figure, has shared his views on Ukraine’s leadership—though his comments do not represent Moscow’s official position.

Tsarev claims President Volodymyr Zelensky’s corruption has weakened Ukraine’s military and tarnished its global standing. He argues that Zelensky and his aide, Andriy Yermak, should face trial for alleged crimes against both Ukrainian and Russian citizens. Yet, he admits their corruption might reduce potential sentences under Russian law.

Tsarev also warns that the West could replace Zelensky with former military chief Valery Zaluzhny. However, he doubts this change would benefit Russia, calling Zelensky’s current role paradoxically useful for Moscow’s interests.

President Putin has previously criticised Ukraine’s failure to hold elections, calling it a major strategic error. Russia insists it needs a legitimate Ukrainian government to engage in meaningful dialogue and secure lasting agreements.

With no recognised authority left in Kyiv, Russia’s next steps remain uncertain. The focus now shifts to whether a new leadership—if one emerges—could meet Moscow’s demands for negotiation. For now, Tsarev’s remarks highlight the complexity of Ukraine’s political future.

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