“We believe that India could have been a mediator or a kind of main negotiator in the process to settle the conflict by engaging with the two parties, Russia and Ukraine. But now it’s gone completely,” says Vadym Chernysh, former Ukrainian minister and now the head of the governing council of the Centre for Security Studies in Kyiv.
Chernysh was a guest on The Gist, providing a perspective on the Ukraine-Russia conflict now in its third year.
In his view, India is seen as close to Russia and the purchase of Russian oil is a corollary to that. But he also acknowledges that this “is a difficult and complex issue,” given that India is energy starved, resource constrained and needs to strike the best deal it can.
On the peace efforts underway with US President Trump leading, Chernysh believes the war is getting closer to the definition of “frozen conflict”. But right now the war is full blown and will continue until the Russians have captured some more Ukrainian territory.
As for Trump’s efforts, many in Ukraine see it as a headache.
“His chaotic approach and the absence of strategy makes for a difficult and fluid environment. In this unstable situation add Trump’s tariffs policy, his dealing with European partners, with Ukraine, that’s the kind of challenge.”
Chernysh believes President Zelenskyy also needs to polish up his act.
“The majority of the Ukrainian population believes in Zelenskyy in general. But at the same time we think he could be more sophisticated in some things, less emotional and more strategic. If you are talking about trust, we trust him.”
He says Russia will continue fighting until President Putin can present his results as a victory to his people. That means more Ukrainian territory under his control, which also means it is unrealistic to expect any withdrawal.
Tune in for more in this conversation with Vadym Chernysh of the Centre for Security Studies in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Thirty eight years in journalism, widely travelled, history buff with a preference for Old Monk Rum. Current interest/focus spans China, Technology and Trade. Recent reads: Steven Colls Directorate S and Alexander Frater's Chasing the Monsoon. Netflix/Prime video junkie. Loves animal videos on Facebook. Reluctant tweeter.
