Putin reportedly said in a recent meeting with Turkey’s president that he is open to a serious dialogue with representatives of Ukraine “under the condition that the Kiev authorities meet the clear demands that have been repeatedly laid out and recognize the new territorial realities.”
This isn’t a basis for negotiations, but surrender on the part of the Ukrainians. Why would they enter into negotiations on this condition? And yet, many on the left seem unaware of or simply ignore Putin’s bargaining posture, while insisting that the Ukrainians agree to talks with the Russians.
