The Kremlin judged on Wednesday “meaningless” the statements of the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
A few days before the 3rd anniversary of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky underlined Tuesday his desire to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Asked during an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan on what he thought of the possibility of sitting in front of Mr. Putin at a negotiation table, the Ukrainian said: “If this is the only way to bring peace to Ukrainian citizensAnd not to lose people, we will undoubtedly opt for this solution. “
He then recalled a wish: that these talks take place with four participants (without specifying which ones). In an interview given last weekend, he said that he “would like to see the United States of America, Ukraine and the Russians at the negotiating table (…). And, to be honest, a voice of the European Union should also be present”.
Referring to Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky also specified: “J*It won’t be nice to him, I consider him an enemy. To be honest, I think he also considers me as an enemy. “*
In Tuesday’s interview, the Ukrainian president admitted that his country was likely to lose at least part of the territory taken by Russia since the start of his invasion in February 2022.
In a acerbic criticism of the support of Ukraine in the war, Mr. Zelensky deplored that “Unfortunately, The support provided by our partners is insufficient To push Putin out of our territories “.
He nevertheless indicated that membership of NATO was the best chance for Ukraine to end the war and guarantee the security of the country.
Zelensky also said that Ukraine had lost 45,100 people and that 390,000 others had been injured. He said Russia had been dead and 700,000 injured.
President Donald Trump, whose future actions will be decisive for the outcome of the war, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the United States “Talk to the Russians, we are talking to Ukrainian leaders.”
Last week, Vladimir Putin said that Russia would be “open” to peace talks, but he rejected responsibility for Ukrainians, saying that they did not have the will to resolve legal issues. He also said that Mr. Zelensky was not “Not legitimate” To lead any talks and excluded himself to speak directly with him, saying that he “would designate appropriate people” To participate in negotiations.
Following the latest statements from the Ukrainian president, the Kremlin judged on Wednesday “meaningful” the words of Volodymyr Zelensky. Pouyr as much, Russia remains open to negotiations, said the Kremlin spokesperson.
While waiting for a possible ceasefire, the fighting continues on the ground. The Russian forces threaten or are on the way to take Tchassiv Iar, Totretsk and Pokrovsk, important positions while the Ukrainian army pursues its night strikes on energy facilities in Russian territory.
