Zelenski asks to talk and negotiate peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted this Saturday on having “significant” peace and security talks with Moscow.
“It’s time to meet. It’s time to talk. It’s time to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine,” the head of state said in a video filmed at night on a deserted street and posted on Facebook. “Otherwise the losses to Russia will be such that it will take several generations to recover.”
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, kyiv and Moscow have already held several rounds of negotiations, in person and via video conference. The fourth opened on Monday.
The head of the Russian delegation spoke on Friday night of a “reconciliation” of positions on the question of a neutral status for Ukraine – similar to that of Sweden and Austria – and progress in the demilitarization of the country. However, he also said there were “nuances” to discuss about the “security guarantees” required for Ukraine.
But a member of the Ukrainian delegation, presidential adviser Mikhailo Podoliak, warned that the “statements of the Russian side are only the beginning of their demands.”
“Our position has not changed: ceasefire, withdrawal of (Russian) troops and strong security guarantees with concrete formulas,” he tweeted.
With information from AFP, EFE and Reuters.