Zelenskyy: Front line could be start of diplomacy, but Russia is trying to back out
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is ready to begin peace talks with Russia, provided the front line serves as the starting point. However, Moscow is unwilling to engage in dialogue, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President noted that Ukraine's position aligns with that of its partners regarding diplomacy. In particular, Ukraine reiterated its readiness to end the war.
The issue of achieving peace was raised during Zelenskyy's meeting with US President Donald Trump. The leaders agreed to try organizing dialogue along the current front line.
"The front line could be the start of diplomacy. Russia is doing everything to avoid diplomacy," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He added that as soon as the issue of long-range capabilities for Ukraine was put on hold, Russia almost automatically became less interested in diplomacy.
"This is a signal that this issue - the question of long-range capabilities - may provide an indispensable key to peace," Zelenskyy said.
Tomahawk for Ukraine
Amid discussions in Washington about potential deliveries of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin called US President Donald Trump. The call took place a day before Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy.
After the call, Trump refused to provide Ukraine with Tomahawks, justifying it by saying the missiles are important for the US.
The American leader also announced plans for a new meeting with Putin in Budapest following the talks.
Today, media reports emerged suggesting that preparations for the summit have been suspended and that Trump does not plan to meet with Putin in the near future.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that his country would not agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine, claiming it would not resolve the root causes of Russian aggression.
