Ukraine is open to negotiations to end its almost three-year conflict with Russia, stated President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. He emphasized the importance of the United States and Europe participating in any talks. Zelenskiy, who initially demanded the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine as a prerequisite, has recently indicated the necessity of discussions to achieve a "just" resolution.
Regarding potential talks involving all four parties, the Kremlin, which has been making advancements in eastern Ukraine, claimed that it was premature to consider four-way negotiations at this time. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated his view of Zelenskiy as an illegitimate leader. Zelenskiy expressed his readiness for diplomatic discussions involving the U.S., Europe, Ukraine, and Russia, underlining the goal of bringing peace to Ukrainian citizens at the negotiating table.
Zelenskiy's call for negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin was met with rejection, with Putin citing Zelenskiy's continued tenure beyond the mandated term. Zelenskiy defended his position, stating his election in 2019 with a significant majority and highlighting the complexities of holding elections during wartime.
Zelenskiy addressed the challenges of conducting elections during conflict, emphasizing the importance of legality and human considerations. He questioned the voting rights of soldiers and Ukrainians in occupied territories, as well as those displaced by war.
In urging for sustained sanctions on Russia, Zelenskiy warned against easing pressure, as this could heighten the risk of further aggression. He also provided estimates of casualties on both sides during the prolonged conflict, along with the need for security guarantees to safeguard against future Russian threats.
Zelenskiy emphasized the necessity of support for Ukraine in the absence of immediate NATO membership, raising questions about the form and extent of assistance required to deter Russian aggression.
In conclusion, Zelenskiy's remarks underline the complex dynamics and challenges surrounding the effort to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.