Zelensky begins preparations for talks with Putin: what is known
18 February 01:00
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given his team urgent instructions to begin preparations for possible direct negotiations with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. According to the head of state, a personal meeting between the leaders could be a key step toward achieving progress in ending the war and returning the occupied territories. Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this statement in an interview with the American publication Axios, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Zelensky: only direct dialogue can yield results
The President of Ukraine stressed that at this stage of the war, a face-to-face meeting with the Russian leader could be the most effective tool for advancing the negotiation process.
“I am convinced that real progress in returning the occupied territories can only be achieved through direct dialogue at the leadership level,” Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to him, other negotiation mechanisms have not yet yielded the necessary results in restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The president’s team has already begun preparations
The head of state announced that he had officially instructed his team to begin work on organizing the upcoming meeting.
“I have already instructed my team to begin preparations for such a meeting at the international level,” Zelensky said.
Geneva, which has repeatedly hosted important international meetings and negotiations, is being considered as a possible venue for the talks.
The key topic of the negotiations is the occupied territories
According to the president, one of the main issues of the potential summit will be the status of Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories and the search for ways to end the war.
Zelensky emphasized that it is fundamentally important for Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace.
At the same time, the president has previously stressed that Ukraine will not agree to unfavorable peace terms, even under pressure from international partners or political circumstances.
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A peace agreement is only possible with the approval of Ukrainians
The President of Ukraine also confirmed his position on the need for any peace agreements to be approved by the Ukrainian people.
In particular, he did not rule out the possibility of holding a referendum if specific agreements are reached.
“Any peace agreement must be acceptable to Ukrainians and in line with Ukraine’s national interests,” Zelensky emphasized.
Why a personal meeting could be decisive
Negotiations at the presidential level can:
- accelerate the process of diplomatic settlement;
- define the framework for a possible cessation of hostilities;
- discuss security guarantees for Ukraine;
- define political and territorial compromises.
At the same time, the final decision will depend on the position of both sides and the support of international partners.
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