Zelensky sees a window of opportunity for progress in peace talks with Russia
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
There is a "window of opportunity" until 2027 to make progress in peace talks to end the war in Ukraine. All parties involved in efforts to end the conflict want to achieve results within this timeframe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a media briefing.
The head of state noted that Europe could see a "change in the political landscape" next year.
"We are also seeing changes already taking place in the US. That is why there is indeed an opportunity today, a window of opportunity, when all those involved in the negotiation process want to achieve a real result before 2027," the president said.
Zelensky suggested that for this reason, one of the negotiators reported there was no negativity during the conversation.
"I don't know all the details. I think there was still a bit of Russia's usual narrative, but we don't pay attention to that anymore - it's a good time to take a break and get a coffee. Nevertheless, what is important is that the Americans went to Putin with concrete proposals," he said.
Importance of US-Russia dialogue
The head of state added that he very much hoped the US special envoys would return to Dublin with concrete proposals. At the same time, he stated that while he doesn't really believe in it, "there is still hope."
"We understand who we're dealing with and that they won't be positive about everything. But could there be progress? Yes. Much depends today on the format of tomorrow's dialogue between the American and Russian sides. I don't know what format they will choose," Zelenskyy said.
The president believes it is very important for the US to achieve results this year. He added that, in his view, the American side "really wants this very much."
"Given all these details, we hope to achieve results. We are living in a time of war, so naturally, we want to achieve an outcome by the end of the year. We will do everything we can to make that happen," the head of state concluded.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Dublin tomorrow. Before that, the US delegation will visit Russia for talks.
Meanwhile, Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov said that the US special envoys would meet with the Russian president in the first half of the day.
