We are ready to speak with Putin in any kind of format - Zelenskyy
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his meeting with US President Donald Trump that he was ready to hold talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in any format — bilateral or trilateral.
Zelenskyy suggested that negotiations should come first, followed by a ceasefire. Unlike the Kremlin, he said, Ukraine is interested in peace.
"First of all, I think we need to sit and speak. The second point, we need a ceasefire. We want peace, Putin - don't," the resident explained.
Zelenskyy added that he would discuss with President Trump everything necessary to effectively push the Russian leader to the negotiating table. As for Ukraine's stance, Kyiv is ready for talks with Putin in any format.
"We're ready to speak in any kind of format — bilateral, trilateral: it doesn't matter. Just peace. This is important,” he added.
It's worth noting that Trump himself has said he believes that, working with Ukraine, he will be able to persuade Putin to end the war in Ukraine and reach a peace deal. Trump is set to discuss this with Putin during their meeting in Budapest.
The meeting in Budapest will be bilateral, but Trump assured that President Zelenskyy will remain in constant contact and will promptly be informed about all the details of the negotiations.
