Zelensky: I'm open to negotiations, but Putin is afraid to talk to me.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that he is ready for negotiations to end the war, but only if there is clarity on what the outcome will be for Ukraine. However, according to Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin is avoiding a direct conversation.
The head of state also noted that the cancellation of the decree prohibiting negotiations with Putin is purely a Russian narrative, as the Kremlin continuously seeks excuses to avoid a meeting.
"I am ready for negotiations if we have an understanding of how this war will end for us. There are no problems. But Putin is afraid to talk to me," Zelensky emphasized.
According to the president, any agreements regarding the end of the war cannot be kept secret, as he represents the people of Ukraine, and decisions must be made considering the positions of all branches of power. Zelensky also spoke about the Kremlin's evasive tactics.
"They will constantly look for a chance to avoid meeting. But if we want to end the war and achieve peace, all other issues are secondary," he noted.
The President of Ukraine also commented on the ongoing absence of some Ukrainian parliamentarians in the country and their trips to events abroad:
"To hear the voice of parliament, you need someone to communicate with. Today we have a prayer breakfast in the USA, and half of the Verkhovna Rada is there, not in Kherson, Kharkiv, or Zaporizhzhia. I am very pleased with the work of the parliament, but unfortunately, it does not work every day," Zelensky added.
Telegram oembed: https://t.me/u_now/153176
When Peace Talks May Occur
Recall that earlier in an interview with Fox News, Zelensky stated that US President Donald Trump could force Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to come to peace if he wanted to. The head of state hopes for a fair peace agreement and that Trump will be on Ukraine’s side.
It is already known that US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may hold a meeting as early as this spring. The State Duma of the Russian Federation claims that contacts could happen in February or March, while German MP Roderich Kiesewetter indicates that negotiations could take place in just a few weeks.