{"id":1327141,"date":"2025-11-30T09:56:05","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T07:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prm.ua\/international-negotiations-yermak-was-released-but-the-methods-were-left-behind\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T06:38:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T04:38:40","slug":"international-negotiations-yermak-was-released-but-the-methods-were-left-behind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prm.ua\/en\/international-negotiations-yermak-was-released-but-the-methods-were-left-behind\/","title":{"rendered":"International Talks: Results? Meh. Methods? Still Here."},"content":{"rendered":"

Source: Author’s Facebook<\/a> page<\/em><\/p>\n

Umerov\u2019s appointment as chief negotiator feels like a replay of history\u2019s worst moments. The very man who stumbled through Istanbul 1 is now expected, for reasons unclear, to mastermind Istanbul 2. The stakes are high, and the memory of past failures looms large.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But one thing stuck in my memory: in the previous negotiations, he was more of a bystander than an active participant. Not initiative, no strategy, no attempt to apply pressure on the Russians. And now, when such a \u201cdiplomatic titan\u201d is put in charge of the talks, the message is clear: just don\u2019t let Budanov take the lead.<\/em><\/p>\n

Umerov\u2019s approach\u2014or lack thereof\u2014was particularly evident during the prisoner exchanges. While Budanov literally wrestled people out of Russian hands, Umerov looked as if he were merely waiting in line to collect a ticket at a window. The result was predictable: without Budanov, there was no shift in positions, no progress. This is not a criticism\u2014it is a fact. And now, this same person is expected to lead key negotiations with the West on the future of the war?<\/p>\n\t\t