Zelenskyy names conditions for peace talks with Russia
19 October 2024 07:49
Ukraine should go into peace talks with Russia in a stronger position – with powerful weapons and at least an invitation to join NATO. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a conversation with journalists of Ukrainian TV channels, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Zelenskyy stressed that before any negotiations can begin, Ukraine must be significantly strengthened. This applies to both military potential and international security guarantees.
“If we have the appropriate weapons, if everyone has positive support for the victory plan, this is already a step forward. You are already in a different situation. When you talk to the Russians at a particular venue, because our partners see them everywhere. We don’t mind, but we tell them: If you want us to talk to Russians, then strengthen us. So that we can sit equally, not just have a chair somewhere off to the side. Give us an Invitation (an official invitation to NATO – ed.), give us weapons, etc.”, the head of state said.
According to Zelenskyy, the point of his Victory Plan is to show Russia that Ukraine is receiving powerful weapons from the West and is ready to use them if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin does not end the war.
“If you have a strong country with defence, then the negotiations are different, then they can’t just tell you: ‘Look, if you don’t have this tomorrow, you won’t exist the day after tomorrow. No, no one will tell you that, because there is an answer, and it is already concentrated in Ukraine. This is a deterrence package, appropriate weapons, the appropriate number of military personnel and partners,” the President stressed.
He also noted that Ukraine’s partners have different views on the possibility of negotiations with Russia.
“There are countries that support Ukraine just to support it. And there are countries that want Ukraine to win. But the most important thing is that today they are all at the same table,” Zelenskyy stressed.
It should be noted that a survey conducted by the Razumkov Centre at the request of ZN.UA revealed a mixed attitude of Ukrainians towards the possibility of peace talks with Russia. The study, which covered 2,027 respondents aged 18 and older in the rear regions of Ukraine, showed that society is divided on this issue.
Thus, 44% of respondents believe that the time for official peace talks with Russia has already come, while 35% share the opposite opinion.
