Ukrainian Leader Says Russian Regional Influence Is Declining

A Ukrainian leader said Russian political influence is collapsing across the region. Azerbaijan has become independent, Armenia held elections that pushed back against Moscow, and Moldova is no longer aligned with Russian positions, the leader stated. Ukraine remains the country Russia cannot afford to lose, the leader argued.

A free Ukraine inside the European Union would give other populations inside Russia an example to follow, the leader added. The leader said Putin's inner circle is split between those who want to continue fighting and those who want to exit the conflict. Business figures inside Russia recognize that the economy is in poor condition, the leader stated.

Ukraine was prepared to negotiate from the beginning of the conflict but will not surrender territory, the leader said. The leader criticized earlier talks held in Anchorage, saying Russia and the United States discussed Ukraine's future without Ukraine present. "I think he was lying to the President of the United States," the leader stated regarding the Anchorage discussions.