Zelenskyy on London talks: Ukraine open to all ceasefire formats
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach/RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine insists on an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire and therefore does not rule out any formats that could lead to peace, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports.
According to the Ukrainian President, as early as March 11, the United States had a position similar to Ukraine's regarding a ceasefire. However, such a ceasefire is only possible under certain conditions.
"This is absolutely possible - but only if Russia agrees and stops the killing. On Easter, we succeeded in reducing the intensity of hostilities, and there were no air raid alerts. Ukraine proposed extending this state of silence for at least 30 days and making the ceasefire comprehensive," Zelenskyy noted.
Ukrainian President stated that Ukraine is ready for an immediate ceasefire, at least concerning civilian sites, and has already announced this.
"Preserving lives must be a shared top priority for all partners," the President said.
Meetings were held in Paris for this purpose, and one was scheduled today in London.
"Ukraine has repeatedly said that it does not rule out any format that can lead to a ceasefire and, ultimately, real peace. Stopping the killing is task number one. I am grateful to everyone who is focused on this goal and helps us move toward ending the war," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Negotiations in London on April 23
On Wednesday, April 23, negotiations were supposed to take place in London between the delegations of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Germany regarding a potential comprehensive ceasefire. Ahead of the meeting, Western media reported that the US planned to present a peace plan that does not satisfy Ukraine - particularly because of a provision recognizing Crimea as Russian. In response to these reports, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would not recognize the occupied territories as part of Russia.
Following this, reports emerged that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled his trip to London. According to media sources, the reason was Ukraine's refusal to accept the key American proposal concerning Crimea. Today, the planned meeting of foreign ministers was postponed - the negotiations will be held at the level of senior officials.
Meanwhile, an RBC-Ukraine source reported that the Ukrainian delegation in London is ready "for all formats and all conversations."
Read more about what happened in RBC-Ukraine's material on the topic.
