Zelenskyy signals real peace progress with new talks initiative
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Today is an important step towards lasting peace and security for Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Today is a day of numerous calls and contacts aimed at making real progress on the path to peace and ensuring Ukraine’s independence under any circumstances," Zelenskyy said.
He emphasized that several calls have already been scheduled. In particular, the one with German Chancellor Merz.
"We’ll also be in contact with colleagues from France and Italy. There will also be communication at the level of national security advisors – I’ve instructed that this special format take place today," the president emphasized.
Zelenskyy also noted that yesterday, after his talk with US President Donald Trump and European leaders, he had a separate conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
"We are working together. It is important to go over the key details. The priorities are absolutely clear," the president said.
He explained that the priorities include:
- an end to the killings, namely, Russia must agree to a ceasefire,
- a format for leaders so that the meeting can work for a truly lasting peace,
- long-term security.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has repeatedly said that the search for real solutions can be truly effective at the level of leaders. Now it is necessary to determine the time for such a format and the range of issues.
"Ukraine has never wanted war and will work toward peace as productively as possible. The main thing is for Russia, which started this war, to take real steps to end its aggression. The world has leverage over the aggressor and the means to verify whether promises are being kept. I’m grateful to everyone who is firmly committed to bringing this war to a dignified end," he concluded.
Trump is preparing to meet with Zelenskyy and Putin
On Wednesday, August 6, US special envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Russia and met with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Afterward, the media reported that the Russian leader allegedly offered to meet with Trump "at some point."
According to the White House, Trump allegedly replied that he was ready to meet with Putin next week. The New York Times reported that Trump wants to hold a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelenskyy. And he allegedly told European leaders about it.
However, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's meeting with Putin will depend on progress on peace in Ukraine.
Later on August 6, president Trump had a phone call with president Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian president noted that European leaders also took part in the talks.
Today it became known that Trump told his team to quickly prepare meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy.
