Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that he is willing to engage in discussions with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, but only under strict conditions. The key requirements for such talks include unwavering support from the United States and Europe, along with firm security guarantees to prevent any further aggression from Moscow.
In an interview with ITV News, Zelenskyy made it clear that his willingness to negotiate does not come without safeguards. When asked whether he would meet with Putin to discuss peace, he responded that negotiations could only take place if Ukraine was assured that Western allies would not abandon it.
“If I had an understanding that America and Europe would not abandon us and that they would support us and provide security guarantees, I would be ready for any format of negotiations,” Zelenskyy stated.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned that freezing the conflict without a comprehensive resolution would only serve to benefit Russia, giving Putin the opportunity to rebuild and launch another offensive in the future. He has underlined that any peace agreement must guarantee an end to the war without the possibility of renewed Russian aggression.
Ukraine’s leader also expressed optimism that the war could be brought to a definitive close by 2025. He pointed to several key factors necessary to achieve this outcome, including maintaining pressure on Russia through sanctions, securing reliable security guarantees, and ensuring continued support from Ukraine’s Western allies.
Key Factors for Ending the War
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Sanctions on Russia | Weakening Russia’s economy and military capabilities |
| Security Guarantees | Ensuring long-term protection from future aggression |
| Western Support | Continued military and financial aid from the US and Europe |
Zelenskyy’s stance underscores Ukraine’s insistence that any negotiations must be conducted from a position of strength, with robust international backing.
