Ukraine seeks multilateral summit for peace talks with Russia
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press briefing in Kyiv, revealed that discussions are in progress regarding the organisation of a meeting involving leaders from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries, and the United Kingdom. The aim of this meeting is to bring an end to the hostilities between Moscow and Ukraine.
What do you need to know?
- Meeting of leaders: Ukraine and its partners are planning to organise a summit of leaders from Ukraine, Russia, the USA, the EU, and the UK to resolve the conflict with Russia.
- Possible locations: Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland are being considered as potential venues for this meeting.
- Memorandum and ceasefire: There are plans for the signing of a memorandum, which could lead to a ceasefire and ultimately end the conflict.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press briefing in Kyiv, revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding the organisation of a meeting involving leaders from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries, and the United Kingdom. This meeting aims to end the conflict between Moscow and Ukraine.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is prepared for direct talks with Russia in any format that delivers results.
"I confirmed that Ukraine is ready for direct talks with Russia in any effective format. Turkey, the Vatican, Switzerland – all possible platforms are under consideration. Ukraine does not need convincing and our representatives are prepared to make concrete decisions in negotiations. We need to ensure that Russia is equally prepared for such productive talks", Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Memorandum and ceasefire
The Ukrainian president noted that signing a memorandum between Russia and Ukraine is possible, which could facilitate an agreement to end the conflict.
"In a bilateral format, there could be a memorandum, potentially leading to a roadmap for ending the war, essentially an agreement. We are discussing a memorandum that would be supported by both countries, including a ceasefire," Zelensky stressed.
He also expressed his position on the withdrawal of troops from Ukrainian territories. "No one will withdraw our troops from our territories; it's a constitutional obligation - mine and that of our military. No ultimatums, and no one will surrender their land, their people, their homes. I don't know the exact terms of the memorandum, but if Russia conditions the withdrawal of our troops from our land, they show no intention to end the war. They understand that Ukraine will not comply with this demand", he declared.
The role of the USA and sanctions
President Zelensky emphasised the importance of the United States' involvement in the negotiation process. "It's crucial for all of us that the United States remains engaged in the negotiations and the pursuit of peace, as Putin alone benefits if they do not," he added.
Zelensky also pointed out the importance of cooperation with the USA on sanctions. "The American sanctions package is a different matter. We all need to work diligently with the United States to ensure timely imposition of appropriate sanctions. This would significantly aid, particularly with banking and energy sanctions. The extent to which Putin and the Russian military continue to benefit from this war or face significant economic challenges largely depends on America," he observed.
