The article discusses insights from Petro Poroshenko, the former President of Ukraine, regarding the ongoing tensions and negotiations with Vladimir Putin. Poroshenko, known for his role during the Euromaidan protests and subsequent presidency, advises President Zelensky on two critical points: never to trust Putin and to engage in negotiations only from a position of strength. He reflects on the mistakes made in previous negotiations that excluded European involvement and cautions that such approaches could lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Poroshenko draws from his experiences with the Minsk agreements of 2014 and 2015, indicating that Putin's behavior in negotiations is driven by deep-seated enmity and cunning tactics rather than a genuine interest in territorial gains. Poroshenko believes that understanding Putin is paramount for any effective negotiation strategy and that misjudgments could lead to dire consequences for Ukraine. He underscores that Zelensky's current approach might not fully comprehend the complexities of dealing with a long-time adversary like Putin.

The implications of Poroshenko's advice are significant given Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia, highlighting the need for strategic diplomatic maneuvers as the situation evolves. By emphasizing a strong stance and careful assessment of Putin’s character and history, Poroshenko aims to prepare Ukrainian leadership for the challenges posed by negotiations with one of the most unpredictable figures in global politics.