'I don't need all this historical stuff': Zelenskyy dismisses historical arguments ahead of potential talks with Putin
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if he were to take part in potential negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, he would not spend time discussing historical narratives or the reasons behind Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The remarks were made in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that at a potential meeting with Vladimir Putin, he would not spend time on historical narratives often used by the Kremlin, nor on personal emotions toward his counterpart.
The president stated he would focus exclusively on practical solutions needed to end the war, particularly security issues, timelines, and ways to conclude the conflict quickly while minimizing losses.
Zelenskyy also stressed that his approach to dialogue would remain pragmatic rather than emotional, saying he holds no personal grievances but is focused on achieving a real outcome to end the war.
"I have nothing personal toward him. No emotions, none at all. I understand how we are genuinely trying to end this war, not pause it temporarily but finish it. I am not sure he will hear my arguments, and I do not need him to, because I am not the aggressor and do not need to justify aggression," Zelenskyy stated.
He added that in dialogue with the Kremlin leader, he would avoid emotional reactions, saying he holds no personal grievances, while stressing that he and his team have their own understanding of how the war began.
Possible Zelenskyy–Putin meeting
Amid ongoing Ukraine-Russia-US peace talks and limited overall progress, media speculation about a potential meeting between the two leaders has intensified.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly expressed readiness for a summit, while Russia has largely ignored the idea of a leaders’ meeting, instead inviting him to Moscow, an option Kyiv has rejected. The Ukrainian president has said he is prepared to meet Putin in any location except Russia or Belarus.
Following the Geneva talks on February 17–18, media reports indicated that a potential meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents is being discussed as a way to resolve key issues where the sides have yet to reach consensus.
