Zelenskyy explaines why Putin keeps dodging peace talks
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
In a speech at the UN Security Council on Ukraine, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin wants only war and does not think about peace.
"The Russian representative is here. But of course not the one who makes the real decisions. That man fears to sit face to face with Ukraine and the world and openly admit – he wants only war," Zelenskyy stressed.
The President emphasized that Russia uses its veto power in the Security Council solely to prolong the war and continue the killings. According to him, the Kremlin is not seeking peace but trying to find ways to carry on its aggression.
He also underlined that real security guarantees must become the line that Russia will never again be able to cross.
Zelenskyy appealed to the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and China to act together. In his words, only a united voice of the international community can force Russia to stop the war.
The President noted that China has leverage over the Kremlin, while Russia, in turn, fears the United States.
"Be the force that acts. Act together. Please. Unite at last to stop Russia’s war. And we know how to guarantee security. What we need now is a strong push – to force Russia toward peace," Zelenskyy concluded.
Zelenskyy–Putin meeting
Earlier, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and other countries had offered Russia negotiations at the level of leaders, even in Kazakhstan.
At the end of August, the President of Ukraine stated that Kyiv was ready for a leaders' meeting with Russia. But Moscow continues its aggression and keeps putting forward new conditions.
The Kremlin reportedly agreed to a leaders' meeting, but, as usual, set out a list of impossible demands.
Later, Putin confirmed his readiness for talks but insisted that Zelenskyy must come to Moscow and be "ready" for discussions.
The President of Ukraine reacted to such a proposal with skepticism.
