Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Russia to cease "unnecessary" demands hindering peace efforts as both nations prepare for upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia.
Zelensky Urges Russia to Drop Excessive Demands as Talks Near
Zelensky Urges Russia to Drop Excessive Demands as Talks Near
Ukrainian President calls for serious negotiations, rejecting demands that prolong conflict.
Zelensky has announced that Ukrainian and U.S. officials will convene for peace discussions next Monday, coinciding with confirmed U.S.-Russia discussions on the same date. He emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin must halt demands that only serve to extend the ongoing war; one such demand includes the cessation of all military assistance from Western allies to Ukraine.
Significantly, Zelensky expressed that conceding NATO membership for Ukraine, which Putin has declared non-negotiable for peace, would constitute a "big gift to Russia." Additionally, he strongly denied claims made by the White House regarding discussions with former President Trump about U.S. ownership of Ukrainian nuclear plants, reaffirming that "all nuclear power plants belong to the people of Ukraine."
While past talks have suggested a ceasefire in principle, implementation remains elusive. Recently, Putin tentatively agreed to halt air strikes on energy infrastructure, yet such attacks have continued from both sides. During the forthcoming talks, a Ukrainian delegation is expected to present a list of critical infrastructure requiring protection from Russian assaults.
Zelensky firmly rejected questions regarding potential territorial concessions to Russia, specifically in relation to Crimea, describing it unequivocally as "an integral part" of Ukraine. He stated that a meaningful ceasefire must involve a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.
Zelensky's communications with EU leaders highlighted the necessity for sustained military support, with a request for at least €5 billion in artillery shells, asserting that ongoing assistance is essential for Ukrainian defenses. He further advocated for EU inclusion in the peace negotiations while urging European leaders not to ease sanctions on Russia.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the need for immediate planning regarding post-war Ukraine, suggesting the formation of a "coalition of the willing" to maintain peace following a potential agreement. This coalition, which is expected to include over 30 nations led by the UK and France, aims to prepare effectively for future challenges.
The conflict, which escalated significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, continues to inflict casualties and destruction, with recent attacks resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides.
Significantly, Zelensky expressed that conceding NATO membership for Ukraine, which Putin has declared non-negotiable for peace, would constitute a "big gift to Russia." Additionally, he strongly denied claims made by the White House regarding discussions with former President Trump about U.S. ownership of Ukrainian nuclear plants, reaffirming that "all nuclear power plants belong to the people of Ukraine."
While past talks have suggested a ceasefire in principle, implementation remains elusive. Recently, Putin tentatively agreed to halt air strikes on energy infrastructure, yet such attacks have continued from both sides. During the forthcoming talks, a Ukrainian delegation is expected to present a list of critical infrastructure requiring protection from Russian assaults.
Zelensky firmly rejected questions regarding potential territorial concessions to Russia, specifically in relation to Crimea, describing it unequivocally as "an integral part" of Ukraine. He stated that a meaningful ceasefire must involve a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.
Zelensky's communications with EU leaders highlighted the necessity for sustained military support, with a request for at least €5 billion in artillery shells, asserting that ongoing assistance is essential for Ukrainian defenses. He further advocated for EU inclusion in the peace negotiations while urging European leaders not to ease sanctions on Russia.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the need for immediate planning regarding post-war Ukraine, suggesting the formation of a "coalition of the willing" to maintain peace following a potential agreement. This coalition, which is expected to include over 30 nations led by the UK and France, aims to prepare effectively for future challenges.
The conflict, which escalated significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, continues to inflict casualties and destruction, with recent attacks resulting in deaths and injuries on both sides.
