Analyst Loladze says peace talks ‘simulation’, warns Ukraine would face worse situation if Russia breaks new deal

International relations specialist Giorgi Loladze has said the current diplomatic process over the war in Ukraine does not amount to genuine peace negotiations, but rather a “simulation” of talks, warning that Kyiv could face an even more difficult situation if Russia violates any future agreement.

Loladze argued that both sides are trying to demonstrate that a process exists, while at the same time shifting responsibility onto the other party for the failure to achieve peace. According to him, despite statements about positions narrowing, there are key issues on which no compromise appears possible.

“The question of territories is first and foremost,” he said, noting that Moscow’s ultimatum demands that Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of Donbas still under Kyiv’s control. Such a move, he said, would be “catastrophic” both militarily and for the local population.

Loladze also highlighted the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as another major unresolved issue, saying there is still no agreement on the facility.

He warned that if Russia were to breach a new deal and launch renewed hostilities, “Ukraine would find itself in an even more difficult position, and Russia would have greater opportunities to advance.”

Loladze further described the Russian political system as deeply shaped by anti-American narratives and a sense of historical grievance following the collapse of the Soviet Union, arguing that the war is linked to what he characterised as an attempt to restore imperial influence.

His comments come after Kirill Dmitriev, a special representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that the “path to peace” would involve the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donbas region, a position that is opposed by a majority of Ukrainians.