On October 22, 2026, former MP Vadim Novinsky stated in an interview that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to the main demands of Russia at the beginning of the war, particularly regarding Crimea and the status of Donbas.
Russia's Demands at the Beginning of the War
Novinsky noted that in February 2022, he participated in negotiations with Russia at the request of Zelensky. According to him, the main demands of the Kremlin included:
- Removing the aspiration for NATO membership from the Constitution of Ukraine.
- Recognizing the special status of Crimea.
- Discussing the status of Donbas.
When asked whether Ukraine could refuse NATO membership, Novinsky replied that, in his opinion, it would be advisable since Ukraine does not plan to join the Alliance in the next 30 years.
Novinsky's Proposal for Zelensky's Resignation
Vadim Novinsky also called for Zelensky to resign and transfer power to the Verkhovna Rada, which should initiate direct negotiations with Russia. This statement sparked discussions in Ukrainian politics, as well as conspiracy theories about a possible coordinated campaign against Zelensky.
Shortly after this, former US President Donald Trump also expressed support for the idea of replacing Zelensky, claiming that Ukraine needed a new leader to end the war.
Zelensky's Statements on War Preparations
In the podcast "The Diary Of A CEO," Zelensky recalled that Ukraine received only "cautious diplomatic signals" before the invasion but did not receive clear warnings about the date of the war's start. He emphasized that he asked the US for a clear signal and weapons but received a refusal.
Zelensky highlighted that Western leaders did not believe in the possibility of an invasion, thinking that Russia was merely "saber-rattling." This led to doubts about Ukraine's readiness for war.