Ukraine Negotiator Tells How It Feels Sitting Across From Russia

Published: 24 February 2026
The English Chronicle Desk
The English Chronicle Online

A senior Ukrainian negotiator has shared the emotional and strategic challenges of sitting face-to-face with Russian officials during peace talks, providing rare insight into the pressures of wartime diplomacy. Speaking to the BBC, the official described the experience as intense, stressful, and emotionally complex, underscoring the weight of responsibility that comes with representing a nation under active attack.

The negotiator explained that entering a room with Russian counterparts — the same government carrying out military operations in Ukraine — requires strict composure and a careful balance between firmness and diplomacy. “You are looking at representatives of a state whose forces are attacking your cities, yet you must maintain control of your own emotions,” the official said. Every word, gesture, and pause is scrutinized, with high stakes for both military and civilian outcomes.

Negotiations, often facilitated by third-party mediators, include diplomats, legal advisors, and military experts. Each session is meticulously planned, and proposals undergo immediate review by Kyiv’s leadership. The negotiator emphasized that there is no room for improvisation: decisions made at the table can have direct consequences for civilians on the front lines.

Trust between the parties is minimal. “Every suggestion is examined for strategic advantage,” the official noted. Even discussions on humanitarian issues, such as prisoner exchanges or safe passage for civilians, require verification to ensure compliance with agreed protocols. Meanwhile, battlefield developments can shift negotiating positions day by day, making flexibility and coordination with international allies crucial.

The Ukrainian negotiator also highlighted the personal toll of these discussions. Long hours, constant briefings, and the emotional burden of representing millions of citizens create a highly stressful environment. Nonetheless, maintaining calm and focus is vital, as any display of vulnerability could be exploited strategically.

Observers note that this account provides a unique perspective on the human dimension of conflict diplomacy. While military analysts focus on troop movements and weapon supplies, negotiators grapple with moral and strategic dilemmas in real time, balancing national security with the need to protect civilian lives.

As the conflict continues, these negotiations remain one of the few channels for dialogue between Ukraine and Russia. The negotiator’s reflections underline the difficulty of engaging with an adversary while war is ongoing, where diplomacy is inseparable from the harsh realities of the battlefield.

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