You can't end war over the phone: Zelenskyy's team on his call with Putin
RBC-Ukraine collage: Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
RBC-Ukraine's source within the Ukrainian leader’s team explained why a conversation between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin is not being discussed at the moment, while emphasizing Kyiv's readiness for negotiations.
About the Zelenskyy-Putin conversation
According to the source, the question is not whether such a conversation is timely or untimely — other formats and approaches to resolving the war are currently being discussed.
"You don't end a war over the phone," the source stressed.
At the same time, the president’s team emphasizes that Ukraine is always ready to talk with the Russian side, in any format and in any location, if it involves real steps toward ending the war.
The Kremlin's position
Today, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that a phone call between Putin and Donald Trump will take place "soon," while a conversation between Putin and Zelenskyy is "not on the agenda" for now.
Additionally, Peskov announced Russia's conditions for a ceasefire, claiming that Kyiv would first need to withdraw its armed forces from the Donbas region.
Zelenskyy's statement
Earlier today, during a media briefing, the Ukrainian President highlighted the inconsistency between the words and actions of the Russian leadership.
According to Zelenskyy, it seems strange when, on one hand, Putin declares a desire to end the war, but on the other hand, publicly demonstrates a willingness to continue it, including by launching missile strikes on Ukraine, which contradicts the peaceful rhetoric he uses in communication with US President Donald Trump.
At the same time, the president emphasized that Ukraine is not concerned with the format or conditions of potential meetings or negotiations. Kyiv is ready for any dialogue format, but one thing remains key: the words and actions of the Russian leader must align.
Peace negotiations on Ukraine
On Sunday, December 28, US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. The talks lasted nearly three hours. Following the meeting, they also spoke with European leaders.
Trump spoke of approaching an end to the war, while Zelenskyy stated that a 20-point peace plan is 90% agreed, and security guarantees for Ukraine are 100% confirmed. The negotiation teams agreed to meet next week, with final decisions expected in January.
Before this, Trump held a conversation with Putin, which he called "productive," and announced his intention to call him again after meeting with Zelenskyy.
