Peace talks with Russia: Zelenskyy accused U.S. officials of disrespecting Ukraine
21 April 10:21
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner of showing disrespect toward Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
“It is disrespectful to go to Moscow and not come to Kyiv,” he said in an interview with the program “Fakty,” released on Monday, April 20.
Zelenskyy said he understands the difficulties of visiting a country at war, but noted that others do come to Kyiv.
“It’s not us who need this, but them,” the president added, speaking about a possible visit by negotiators to the Ukrainian capital. At the same time, he emphasized that what matters to him is the outcome of the negotiations, not where they take place.
Position on Donbas
Zelenskyy once again rejected Russia’s demand to withdraw Ukrainian troops from the eastern regions—the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
“This would undoubtedly be a strategic defeat for us,” he stated.
Without fortifications and a established line of defense, Ukraine would become weaker, and an order to retreat would undermine the army’s morale, he explained. According to Zelenskyy, the quickest way to end the war is by freezing the current front line.
The Ukrainian president also pointed out the risks associated with the withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Donbas.
“The question is how many people have already died there. I believe that this step is irresponsible at this time. What security guarantees are being given to Ukraine? Listen, if there is no partner presence on the front line, why wouldn’t the Russians launch another offensive after some time? Why not? I simply don’t understand why. Trump. President Trump—two and a half years. And what will we do after that?” Zelenskyy asked.
Ukraine has been defending itself against the Russian invasion for over four years with Western support. Washington has been pressuring the parties to the conflict for several months, seeking a peaceful settlement, but negotiations have been frozen since February due to the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran. Prior to this, Witkoff and Kushner had traveled to Moscow on multiple occasions for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was expected that after Orthodox Easter, which was celebrated this year on April 12, they would visit Kyiv for the first time—but that has not happened yet.
