In terms of dialogue: Zelenskyi explained what talks he is ready for with Putin
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi is ready to hold talks with the head of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, but without any mediators from the Kremlin and on the terms of dialogue, not injunctions.
The head of state said this in an interview with Italian TV channel Rai 1, answering questions about Kyiv’s conditions for talks with Russia.
According to Zelenskyi, the issue of negotiations with Russia is becoming more complicated every day because, after the liberation of Ukrainian territories, all new crimes of Russian invaders against peaceful Ukrainians are recorded.
– We are de-occupying some towns; we see traces of victimizations, tortures, executions, and destructions left by the Russian army. And that is why the points about the possibilities of negotiations are becoming more complex, – he explained.
Zelenskyi added that Ukrainian society is now negative about the issue of negotiations with Russia.
– Nevertheless, as president, I am ready to talk to Putin. But only with him. Without any of his intermediaries. And on the terms of dialogue, not on the terms of injunctions, – said Zelenskyi.
Asked what kind of peace Ukraine wants, he explained that it is about Russia’s respect for our state’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, traditions, people, language, society, and independence.
In addition, the aggressor country must withdraw troops from Ukraine.
– The Russian Federation violated all this. And it needs to be restored. What does it mean? Withdraw their troops from our land. There are no our troops on the territory of the Russian Federation. Withdraw their troops, deoccupy our homes. I’m not even saying that we need to return all the loot – but these are not valuable to us. Values are family and living people. So whatever they rob, let them go. Still, they will be responsible for everything. So go away beyond the borders of our state, – said Zelenskyi.
He clarified that the first step could be the return of Russian troops to their positions as of February 24, 2022 (i.e., before a full-scale invasion).
– Even though we as a nation do not compromise on our independence, nevertheless, in the negotiations, we are ready to say: at least get out of the territory you occupied since February 24… It is the first clear step to talking about something. Let’s do it. We do not hear the answer to this question, – the president said.
In late April, the Office of the President of Ukraine informed that talks between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi and Kremlin host Vladimir Putin were not yet on time. According to Mykhailo Podoliak, an Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Ukraine wants to have a very strong legal position in these negotiations, and it still needs to be prepared.
And the head of the President’s Office, Andrii Yermak, emphasized that the critical goal for Ukraine in the talks with the Russian side is to end the war and de-occupy the territories. At the same time, Kyiv will not compromise on independence and territorial integrity.
