New Delhi: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for direct negotiations with Russia to end the ongoing war, emphasising that such talks should involve both American and European representatives.
This statement follows two separate conversations with former US President Donald Trump, who had earlier claimed that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” begin ceasefire negotiations. However, Zelenskyy stressed that if Russia remains unwilling to halt hostilities, it must face stronger sanctions to compel genuine peace talks.
“If the Russians are not ready to stop the killings, there must be stronger sanctions. Pressure on Russia will push it toward real peace – this is obvious to everyone around the world,” said Zelenskyy in an X post after his call with Trump.
In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s proactive stance. He explicitly stated, “Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia in any format that brings results,” suggesting several potential venues, including Türkiye, the Vatican, and Switzerland. He emphasised that convincing Ukraine is not necessary, as Ukrainian representatives are fully prepared to engage meaningfully. The crucial element, Zelenskyy asserts, is a reciprocal readiness from Russia to participate in substantive discussions.
Seeking Western support and involvement in the peace process, he advocated for the inclusion of American and European representatives in the negotiation, arguing that the involvement of all stakeholders is necessary for an objective assessment of proposals from both sides. He cautioned against the United States distancing itself from the pursuit of peace, stating that only Russian President Vladimir Putin would benefit from such a scenario.
“Together with European leaders, we also discussed possible next steps – in particular, meetings between negotiators and an objective assessment of each side’s proposals. Every proposal at the table deserves an honest evaluation, that’s why the negotiation process must involve both American and European representatives at the appropriate level. It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin. I thank everyone who supports this approach,” he said further in his X post.
Furthermore, Zelenskyy highlighted the conditions for Ukraine’s continued willingness to negotiate. He stressed that if Russia refuses to end the fighting, release prisoners of war and hostages, and continues to make unrealistic demands, it would demonstrate a prolongation of the war. This, in turn, would necessitate a stronger response from Europe, the United States, and the global community, including increased sanctions. He concluded by stating that while Ukraine has always been ready for peace, the onus remains on Russia to end the war it initiated.
“If Russia refuses to stop the killings, refuses to release prisoners of war and hostages, if Putin puts forward unrealistic demands, this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war, and deserves that Europe, America, and the world act accordingly, including with further sanctions. Russia must end the war it started, and it can begin doing so any day. Ukraine has always been ready for peace”.
