European intelligence agencies have contacts with Russia, Zelenskyy says
Photo: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
European countries have long been in contact with Russia through their intelligence agencies and diplomats, and that is precisely why they must be at the table for any negotiations aimed at ending the war, President Zelenskyy says in comments to reporters.
Europe has its own communication channels with Russia
The President says that European partners maintain their own channels of communication with the Russians at the level of intelligence agencies and diplomatic missions. According to him, this takes place in parallel with the contacts maintained by the American side.
"Europeans have contacts with the Russians at the intelligence and diplomatic levels—it's not just the Americans who do. Europe is very important at the negotiating table," Zelenskyy says.
Why Europe is important for negotiations
The head of state explains that Europe's role for Ukraine is not limited to financial or military support. According to him, it is primarily a matter of security.
"We understand that Europe is not just about aid, not just a wallet, not just weapons. It's really about security. It's important for Europe to be part of the negotiation process because they're thinking about security," Zelenskyy adds.
On the morning of September 8, Russia launched a daytime strike on Kyiv, resulting in a fire breaking out in an office building in the Solomianskyi district. According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, there are casualties, and rescue workers are evacuating people from the upper floors.
Earlier that same day, the President of Ukraine announced a possible meeting with Donald Trump in the second half of September.
According to Zelenskyy, the parties are preparing for trilateral negotiations.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated that Russia was allegedly ready for peace, placing the responsibility for the further course of events on Kyiv.
Putin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, added that Moscow was counting on the resumption of trilateral negotiations.
Later, Zelenskyy suggested the possibility of a compromise with Russia on energy and grain supplies.
The President emphasized that these issues were important not only for Ukraine and Russia, but also for other countries around the world.
