In a recent statement, President Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and US officials will convene for peace talks in Saudi Arabia this coming Monday, coinciding with a confirmation of US-Russia discussions on the same day. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin needs to cease making unreasonable demands, which he believes only extend the conflict. Among Moscow's conditions is the complete cessation of military support for Ukraine, a request Zelensky has firmly rejected.
Zelensky Urges Russia to Abandon Unreasonable Demands Before Upcoming Peace Talks
Zelensky Urges Russia to Abandon Unreasonable Demands Before Upcoming Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls for a cessation of "unnecessary" demands from Russia ahead of anticipated peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia amidst ongoing hostilities.
Zelensky warned that acquiescing to Russia's stance on Ukraine's NATO membership being non-negotiable would represent a significant concession. He also refuted claims from the White House suggesting that he discussed ceding control of Ukraine's nuclear power plants during a communication with former President Donald Trump.
The urgent negotiations come after more than three years of fighting, with the US striving to mediate a ceasefire agreement. A preliminary ceasefire has received greater acceptance from both leaders but implementation remains stalled due to varying conditions. While Putin recently advocated for a moratorium on aerial assaults on energy targets, both parties have continued their strikes against each other's infrastructure.
During the upcoming discussions, a Ukrainian delegation will present a list of critical infrastructure that requires protection against Russian attacks. Addressing media questions, Zelensky firmly stated that all nuclear facilities in Ukraine belong to the Ukrainian populace, although he expressed openness toward the US assuming control of the Zaporizhia power plant currently held by Russia for modernization.
Regarding territorial concessions, Zelensky maintained that Crimea—a region under Russian control since 2014—is "integral" to Ukraine, asserting its international recognition as part of the country. He proposed that any ceasefire must commence with halts to both land and maritime aggression from Russia.
While a temporary ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure was reportedly negotiated in a recent Trump-Putin call, enduring peace remains elusive. The ongoing conflict escalated following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, leading to continued casualties, with recent strikes resulting in fatalities in Ukraine.
In discussions with EU leaders, Zelensky reiterated the importance of sustained military assistance, requesting a minimum of €5 billion for ammunition. He called for European allies to maintain pressure on Russia and urged the EU's participation in peace negotiations. As the EU contemplates security measures for Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the necessity of proactive planning for a peaceful resolution, proposing a “coalition of the willing” to oversee post-war stability.
This evolving situation underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts, even as the conflict claims more lives and challenges regional stability.
The urgent negotiations come after more than three years of fighting, with the US striving to mediate a ceasefire agreement. A preliminary ceasefire has received greater acceptance from both leaders but implementation remains stalled due to varying conditions. While Putin recently advocated for a moratorium on aerial assaults on energy targets, both parties have continued their strikes against each other's infrastructure.
During the upcoming discussions, a Ukrainian delegation will present a list of critical infrastructure that requires protection against Russian attacks. Addressing media questions, Zelensky firmly stated that all nuclear facilities in Ukraine belong to the Ukrainian populace, although he expressed openness toward the US assuming control of the Zaporizhia power plant currently held by Russia for modernization.
Regarding territorial concessions, Zelensky maintained that Crimea—a region under Russian control since 2014—is "integral" to Ukraine, asserting its international recognition as part of the country. He proposed that any ceasefire must commence with halts to both land and maritime aggression from Russia.
While a temporary ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure was reportedly negotiated in a recent Trump-Putin call, enduring peace remains elusive. The ongoing conflict escalated following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, leading to continued casualties, with recent strikes resulting in fatalities in Ukraine.
In discussions with EU leaders, Zelensky reiterated the importance of sustained military assistance, requesting a minimum of €5 billion for ammunition. He called for European allies to maintain pressure on Russia and urged the EU's participation in peace negotiations. As the EU contemplates security measures for Ukraine, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the necessity of proactive planning for a peaceful resolution, proposing a “coalition of the willing” to oversee post-war stability.
This evolving situation underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts, even as the conflict claims more lives and challenges regional stability.
