Zelenskyy "Preparing for Negotiations with Putin, Failure Could Lead to World War III"... Russian Offensive Intensifies

Russian Invading Forces Suffer Up to 1,000 Deaths Per Day
Next Two Weeks Critical for Russian Offensive... Peace Talks Likely if It Fails

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his readiness to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin, once again urging bilateral talks. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground is worsening as the Russian side continues indiscriminate bombings, causing increasing civilian casualties, even as the sixth general-level commander has died in the invading forces and daily death tolls have exceeded 1,000.

On the 20th (local time), President Zelensky stated in an interview with CNN, "I am ready to negotiate with Putin. I have been ready for the past two years," adding, "I believe this war cannot end without negotiations." He further warned, "If negotiation attempts fail, this war could escalate into a Third World War."

He continued, "The Russian army invaded to annihilate and kill us, but we can prove that our military can deliver strong strikes and counterattack while preserving the dignity of our people," emphasizing, "However, unfortunately, our dignity alone will not preserve lives, and I believe we must utilize any form or opportunity to negotiate with Putin."

While continuing the fourth round of peace talks with Ukraine, the Russian side is intensifying offensives on key Ukrainian cities, focusing on the southern strategic point of Mariupol. According to the Associated Press, the Russian military has launched hypersonic missiles called 'Kinzhal' twice in attacks on Ukrainian military bases and has bombed Ukraine with over 1,000 missiles to date.

The reason for the Russian army's indiscriminate bombings is analyzed to be due to heavy casualties among ground forces and the deaths of six general-level commanders, which have severely lowered troop morale. According to The Washington Post (WP), the Russian military is experiencing daily death tolls exceeding 1,000, with rampant unauthorized desertions and escapes among soldiers.

Experts predict that the Russian army will be able to maintain its offensive for another two weeks, and if major cities are not captured after a strong offensive during this period, they expect a peace negotiation settlement to be reached.

Jack Watling, an expert at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a UK defense and security think tank, said, "The upcoming two weeks are very important," adding, "All signs indicate that Russia is likely to intensify rather than slow down its attacks, which, even if slower, could be more lethal to Ukraine."