Putin faces unexpected diplomatic test as Zelensky seeks talks
Vladimir Putin was likely surprised by President Volodymyr Zelensky's willingness to meet personally, said European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho.
What do you need to know?
- Lack of Russian consent for a ceasefire: Despite appeals, Russia did not agree to an immediate ceasefire, commented European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho.
- New sanctions in preparation: The European Commission is considering imposing further sanctions on Russia, including on the Nord Stream 2 consortium, if the situation does not change.
- Zelensky ready for talks: President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed his readiness to meet in person with Vladimir Putin, which might have surprised the Russian leader.
Will Putin meet with Zelensky?
European Commission spokesperson, Paula Pinho, suggested that Vladimir Putin might have been surprised by Volodymyr Zelensky's readiness for a personal meeting. Despite proposals for talks from the Russian side, they have not been scheduled at the highest level. Zelensky has declared he is ready to go to Turkey to wait for Putin, emphasising that he wants to speak directly with him, not with other Russian representatives.
What sanctions is the European Commission planning?
Following Russia's refusal to agree to a ceasefire, the European Commission is considering imposing new sanctions. On Wednesday, member countries are expected to initially accept the 17th sanctions package. The head of the EC, Ursula von der Leyen, announced the possibility of imposing sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 consortium. EC Vice President Kaja Kallas also supports these actions, emphasising the need to increase pressure on Russia.
Pinho emphasised that the EC members eagerly await President Putin's readiness to meet with President Zelensky on Thursday, adding that they would be pleased if President Putin indeed met with President Zelensky for the first time in many years, and certainly since the start of the war.
