Zelenskyy answers whether Ukraine can start peace talks without full Russian troop withdrawal
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia within the framework of the second Peace Summit may begin even if the Russian forces have not yet withdrawn their troops from all Ukrainian territory by that time, according to an interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for French media.
When asked whether Ukraine's conditions for negotiations with Russia have changed, specifically if the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory is a mandatory condition, the head of state responded.
"This does not mean that at that moment (the moment of starting negotiations within the framework of the second Peace Summit - ed.) we will be at the borders of 1991. This is my answer to your question. No, it does not mean that," Zelenskyy replied.
At the same time, he clarified that such a scenario of fully restoring territorial integrity before the negotiations is just. However, this does not mean it is achievable solely with the help of weapons.
According to the president, Ukraine and most countries in the world plan to prepare a peace plan. After this, such issues can be resolved diplomatically.
French journalists then further clarified with Zelenskyy whether his statement meant that the complete withdrawal of Russian troops is not a condition for negotiations.
"It is desirable for the whole world to stop Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin - ed.) and for the borders to be a condition. It is desirable for the whole world," he replied.
What preceded
Earlier, Ukrainian officials repeatedly emphasized that peace with Russia is only possible on the terms of international law and the UN Charter.
In particular, this implies the complete restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity within the 1991 borders.
Currently, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, there are plans to prepare a peace plan based on the peace formula. It is intended to be presented to Russia at the second Peace Summit.
