Zelenskyy outlines five reasons why Russia may feel stronger in talks
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
There are five reasons why Russia may feel stronger in the upcoming negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during an address to participants of the European Council meeting.
He emphasized that in recent days, Ukraine has received signals from the United States that negotiations could resume soon.
"But with what mindset will the Russian side come to the talks this time? It depends on all of us together to make sure the Russians do not come to these talks feeling that their position has grown much stronger. And it is not only because of the situation around Iran, which is pushing global oil prices higher," the President said.
He stressed that Russia sees the active use of air defense missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and may assume that Kyiv could also face shortages.
"Second, the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia is stalled. It could have continued the pressure on Russia to move toward real peace. Third, the United States has eased some sanctions on Russia, and this brings significant money into Putin’s war budget," Zelenskyy emphasized.
In addition, he pointed to delays in what he called "the most important financial security guarantee for Ukraine" from the EU — a €90 billion loan. As a fifth point, he said that Ukraine doesn't know for sure whether this support will be unblocked.
Peace talks on Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with the BBC, said he has a very bad feeling about the upcoming round of peace talks with Russia. His concern is linked to the fact that the United States has shifted its focus from Ukraine to the war in Iran.
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Istanbul is ready to host a new round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia.
In addition, Politico reported that the Trump administration will continue negotiations with Russia in an effort to achieve peace in Ukraine, as this process and its outcome serve a longer-term goal — namely, weakening the alliance between Russia and China.
