NEW YORK, November 20. /TASS/. The likelihood of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine beginning next year is increasing, as signs of growing desperation can be heard in Vladimir Zelensky's speeches, according to retired US Navy Admiral James Stavridis, former supreme allied commander of NATO.

"The chances of both sides being willing to negotiate next year are increasing," he said in a peace for Bloomberg. According to Stavridis, the Ukrainian armed forces are facing "mounting personnel losses," while Kiev is growing concerned about the possibility of the incoming US administration, led by Donald Trump, refusing to supply Ukraine with more aid. "President Vladimir Zelensky’s appeals have an increasing tone of desperation, and nothing in the national security appointments of Team Trump will likely encourage Kiev’s sense of security," the columnist emphasized.

During the Valdai discussion, the Russian president said that Moscow was ready for peace talks on Ukraine, based not on Kiev’s "wishlists that change from month to month but <…> on the situation on the ground and the agreements that were reached in Istanbul."

On March 29, 2022, Russian and Ukrainian delegations met in Istanbul. The principles of the proposed agreement included Ukraine's commitment to a neutral, non-aligned status and a pledge not to deploy foreign weapons, including nuclear arms, on its territory.