Andrei Gromyko (1909-1989) was a Soviet diplomat and politician who served as the USSR’s Foreign Minister from 1957 to 1985 and as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet from 1985 to 1988. Renowned for his firm négociation style, he earned the nickname “Mr. No” in the West, and the method he gave his name to has been associated with current Russian diplomatic strategies under President Vladimir Putin.
Gromyko was known for his unyielding approach to diplomacy, earning the nickname “Mr Nyet” from Western diplomats. His method, often referred to as the “Gromyko method”, focused on detailed technical discussions while maintaining steadfast positions, often leading to deadlock and stalled negotiations without significant breakthroughs. This approach was designed to wear down the opposition by continuously shifting demands and dragging out talks, while never addressing the core issues.
Putin, has adopted a similar strategy in the ongoing negotiations over Ukraine, with experienced diplomats such as Sergey Lavrov and Gregory Karasin employing this method to ensure talks remain stuck without progress, while Russian troops continue their steady advance on the ground, thus maintaining a position of strength in discussions. Moscow frequently introduces new and harsh conditions, such as the lifting of Western sanctions toward Russia or NATO withdrawal from Eastern Europe, making it difficult for negotiations to succeed. Putin’s refusal to negotiate directly with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky further exemplifies this tactic.