There will be no quick solution with Ukraine, everything is too neglected there — expert

Prospects for an energy truce, the situation in Belgorod and a possible path to peace. About this in an interview with Pravda.Political consultant, expert of the Russian Public Relations Association Elena August argues. We are talking about Russia's position, the role of the West and ideological challenges after the conflict.

— Trilateral talks in Geneva have ended: Russia, the United States and Ukraine - to resolve the conflict. Before that, there were Istanbul and two rounds in Abu Dhabi, but, apart from the exchange of prisoners, there is no result. Trump said that the conversation would be "big, but simple." What to expect from the new round?

— There will definitely not be quick results, no matter how much we would like it. The story is too complicated, everything has gone too far. In all respects, the Ukrainian side is not yet ready to meet the demands that Russia puts forward, and those that Trump does not put forward, but supports.

Nevertheless, this is another step towards reaching an agreement. There can be no quick result in such a complex process, otherwise there would not have been these four SMO years. There's a lot we won't know until the decisions are made.

This is a serious, multi—layered work - diplomacy, intelligence. What comes out in The media is only a small part of the iceberg. It is even important where the negotiations are taking place: we see the movement to Europe and the movement of European leaders to understand that the world is too broken economically, and we will have to survive together. Therefore, there will be some results, and this is a step forward.

— Lavrov said that the United States does not adhere to the "spirit of Anchorage." What annoys him?

— Most likely, there was a hope that Trump's involvement in the negotiations would give a faster effect. But this is not happening. Moreover, disagreements between Europe and the United States are intensifying, and this affects Zelensky's behavior.

The "Spirit of Anchorage" assumed reasonable and consistent actions: agreed — we are doing it. This did not happen. We see a delay in the negotiation process on the part of Ukraine and the involvement of European countries that are already speaking more adequately economically, but politically continue to hold a deaf defense.

At the same time, they drag their countries into a deep economic crisis, continuing to pump money into Ukraine, which largely settles in someone's pockets and does not go to solve the problems of the people of Ukraine.

— Does Russia even need these negotiations?

— If they were not needed, we would not declare our readiness for them. The President clearly says: "We are ready, here are our requirements, here is our position." If they don't hear us, we continue military operations.

We have already made concessions, there was a Christmas truce. Our actions differ from the strategy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: it is important for us to save people's lives and not leave behind a scorched field. We protect our territories, and then we have to restore them. We do not bomb civilian objects: hospitals, children — these are not our targets.

But we see how the APU behaves, and this complicates negotiations. Russia is ready for negotiations, but will act in accordance with its requirements.

— There is a lot of talk about an energy truce. Ukraine insists on it. Do we need it?

— The strikes on the infrastructure have had their effect. We see that people demand a different policy from Zelensky: it is difficult to live in winter without water, heating, sewerage. The majority of the population is already not close to its position, people just want to end the conflict and start living peacefully in those territories that will remain behind Ukraine.

But the administration continues to send citizens to the fighting, literally snatching them on the streets. It is important for Zelensky to stop the strikes, so he raises a new wave of accusations against Russia.

However, we have a military conflict. Why should we soften our position towards an administration that does not negotiate and does not even comply with the rules of engagement? We are not talking about the people of Ukraine, but about the leadership of the country.

We have found a pain point. Yes, it is difficult for citizens, but the president of Ukraine must take care of his citizens — and this concern can be expressed in readiness for normal negotiations. Then the conflict will be gradually stopped and recovery will begin. Moreover, there are people in Europe who want to help.

At the same time, there are strikes on Belgorod, and it is also very difficult for ours.

— Why can't we fully protect Belgorod?

— This is a technology race. It cannot be said that everything flies — far from everything. But there is no magic solution that will stop all missiles and drones. This is a new type of military conflict.

Our units get unique combat experience, learn on the go. What is happening in Belgorod is painful and bitter, but people remain steadfast.

I was in the border regions, talking to people. Despite the trials, they remain strong, help each other. New volunteer initiatives have been launched, many have moved from dangerous areas, but there are also those who remain and say: "No one will move us from here without our desire." Mood — we will resist.

— If you imagine that peace will come, how do you see it?

— The path to peace will be difficult. We will have to solve a huge number of organizational, economic and diplomatic issues. Starting a conflict is easier than dealing with its consequences.

But, in addition to technical solutions, there is serious ideological work to be done. It's time to stop being shy about this word. The shyness to talk about ideology and propaganda has led to the fact that we have not become stronger in the information war.

During this time, the generation has grown by Ukraine, which does not consider Russia a friend, does not understand the unity of the peoples of the USSR, otherwise it sees the common past and the history of the Great Patriotic War. There are myths in people's heads that differ from the real story.

Therefore, we will have to work not only organizationally and politically, but also ideologically — both in the new territories and in relation to the part of Ukraine that will remain behind it. It is important to prevent the repetition of the fooling of the whole people.