By John Q. Hosedrinker 
According to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Vladimir Putin is hesitant to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the war, consistently delaying the process. Zelenskyy is prepared to meet Putin on neutral ground, though he doesn’t anticipate a visit to Kyiv or a trip to Moscow. Carney emphasized the importance of continued allied support for Ukraine until this meeting occurs. Canada is also providing substantial military aid to Ukraine, including a US$500 million package of equipment and ammunition, with further weaponry transfers planned.
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Putin fears meeting with Zelenskyy, the core of the matter, revolves around a fundamental power dynamic and a carefully constructed narrative that Putin has been building for years. He’s cultivated an image of strength and dominance, portraying Zelenskyy, and by extension, Ukraine, as weak, illegitimate, and ultimately, subservient. A face-to-face meeting would shatter this illusion. It would require Putin to acknowledge Zelenskyy as an equal, a fellow head of state, which directly contradicts his long-held belief that Ukraine isn’t a real country and that its leader is merely a puppet. Such a concession would be a massive blow to his propaganda machine and the justification for his war.
Imagine the scene: Putin, the supposed strongman, forced to look a “true hero” in the eyes of Zelenskyy. The implied emasculation is palpable. This isn’t just about ego; it’s about the very foundation upon which Putin has built his authority. His internal propaganda campaign, which has painted Zelenskyy as inferior, would be completely undone. Putting them on the same level or recognizing Zelenskyy’s competence is something Putin won’t allow himself, especially if he still believes he can win the war or outlast Ukraine in the long run. He cannot show weakness.
The fear is also amplified by the perception of Zelenskyy’s strength and resolve. It is widely perceived that Zelenskyy is not someone who will back down easily. In a meeting, he would likely stand his ground, challenging Putin and potentially exposing his lies. On the other hand, Putin, facing the undeniable truth, would be at a disadvantage, unable to justify his actions or defend his position. It’s a clash of wills that Putin, who’s often described as a coward, is unwilling to risk.
The recent interaction with Donald Trump and the lack of apologies on Zelenskyy’s end only adds to this fear. It strengthens the image of a leader who is not easily intimidated or manipulated. If Zelenskyy stands firm against someone like Trump, why wouldn’t he do the same against Putin? It is believed that Putin has a tendency to be fearful of challenges, and this perceived resilience of Zelenskyy makes any direct confrontation even more daunting.
Moreover, the very act of a meeting would force Putin to deviate from his current strategy. His only viable option has been to continuously double down on his claims and his actions. A meeting, however, would require him to at least acknowledge the reality of the situation, opening him up to difficult questions and scrutiny. It’s a risk Putin seems unwilling to take, especially given his potential health issues, which might be another reason why he is afraid of such a meeting. The presence of the “poopcase” or the “tin bucket” is further evidence of this deep-seated fear and paranoia.
The implications of a meeting go beyond the immediate dynamic between the two leaders. It would signal a shift in the international perception of the conflict and put pressure on Putin to negotiate and compromise, which would be a loss for Putin. Meeting with Zelenskyy would mean a loss of control for Putin. He needs time and less help for Ukraine, and he is counting on the lack of effective weapons from Europe.
In essence, Putin fears a meeting with Zelenskyy because it would expose his vulnerabilities, undermine his narrative, and potentially force him to confront the consequences of his actions. It’s a battle of wills where Putin, as the one who started the war, knows he has much more to lose than Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president, with his steadfast courage, appears to be a formidable opponent.