EU seeks concessions from Russia for peace: What Zelenskyy thinks
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he does not know the specific demands the EU is preparing for Russia, but emphasized that he is grateful to Europe for its position.
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"Regarding the European Union’s demands for Russia, surely something is being worked on, but honestly, I don’t know the details. We are grateful to the European Union for taking such a firm position on the unconditional return of Ukrainian children," the President said in response to a question from an RBC-Ukraine correspondent.
Zelenskyy added that he had never heard of the possibility of reducing the Russian army. He noted that this is a sovereign right of any country but added that he would like "the Russian army to be smaller." Zelenskyy also said he does not think the EU can influence this issue.
"Regarding the negotiation process, I think lately we’ve all heard that Europe believes it should have a separate dialogue with Russia. I believe that, at this stage, Russia will only use it to humiliate Europe," he stated.
According to Zelenskyy, a separate process for such dialogue needs to be developed. He also expressed confidence that the US and Europe must work together with Ukraine.
Zelenskyy stressed that if the US and EU communicate with Russia separately, the only country that will benefit is Russia.
Background
On February 11, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she would propose a list of concessions the EU should demand from Russia as part of ending the war in Ukraine. These concessions include both the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia and limitations on the Russian army.
