Zelenskyy: War will drag on if Putin refuses meeting
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (facebook.com zelenskyy.official)
If Russia does not agree to negotiations in the format of a trilateral meeting soon, the war in Ukraine could become prolonged. Much of how events unfold will depend on the position of the United States and Europe’s involvement, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his interview with Sky News.
A chance to end the war
He said that during a conversation with US President Donald Trump, he proposed the idea of a trilateral meeting at the leaders’ level. Zelenskyy emphasized that a positive decision from Russia would give a chance to try to end the war within the next six months.
"If Putin will be ready for trilateral meeting, we will have a chance this half a year, these some months to meet and try to finish the war," he said.
Risks of a prolonged conflict
The head of state warned that Putin’s refusal to engage in talks would lead to a "long war." The situation could become more complicated closer to the US elections, when the American administration will focus on domestic issues.
If US involvement decreases, Europe might try to take on a leading role in the negotiation process, although it is not totally involved at present. If these efforts also fail, the war will continue for longer.
Venue for the meeting
Zelenskyy rejected the possibility of visiting Moscow, calling such proposals from the Russian side a "game."
He emphasized that he is ready for dialogue on neutral territory, but excluded Russia and Belarus.
"I'm ready to meet, and I'm ready to speak, but on neutral ground. Even not neutral, but not Russian and not Belarus, because they are allies," the President said.
Diplomatic chance to end the war
Earlier, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the window is open and that a diplomatic end to the war is possible, provided the right pressure is applied to the Kremlin.
The President also emphasized that Ukraine is still unable to reclaim occupied territories, while Russia continues its attempts at full-scale occupation.
Additionally, RBC-Ukraine reported on US President Donald Trump’s intentions, noting that he wants to end the war in Ukraine within a month of a possible return to the White House.
Zelenskyy also revealed details of new negotiations, stating that Ukraine is preparing a concrete plan for a second Peace Summit.
