Ahead of peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky urges Russia to abandon unreasonable demands. As both nations engage in talks over a potential ceasefire, Zelensky emphasizes the importance of NATO membership for Ukraine and dismisses any claims regarding ceding control of nuclear power plants.
Zelensky Urges Russia to Drop 'Unnecessary' Conditions as Peace Talks Loom
Zelensky Urges Russia to Drop 'Unnecessary' Conditions as Peace Talks Loom
Ukraine's President calls for an end to demands hindering ceasefire negotiations amid preparations for peace talks in Saudi Arabia.
Zelensky has stated that Ukrainian and US officials will convene for peace discussions in Saudi Arabia next Monday, coinciding with confirmed US-Russia talks set for the same day. The Ukrainian leader criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for making "unnecessary demands" that only extend the conflict, including a complete halt to military aid for Ukraine.
Zelensky also warned against removing NATO membership from the negotiation discussions, which Putin regards as a non-negotiable demand for peace, labeling such an action as a "big gift to Russia." Furthermore, he dismissed suggestions from the White House that he had discussed transferring control of Ukraine's nuclear power plants to the US during a conversation with President Trump. The ongoing conversations occur as the US attempts to facilitate a ceasefire after three years of warfare.
Although preliminary agreements for a ceasefire have been reached by both Zelensky and Putin through US dialogues, they have yet to materialize due to differing conditions. While Putin has recently agreed to suspend airstrikes on energy infrastructure, these attacks have continued from both sides. Zelensky's Ukrainian delegation intends to present a list of infrastructure that needs protection from Russian strikes during the upcoming talks.
In response to questions about territorial concessions, particularly regarding Crimea—which has been under Russian control since 2014—Zelensky reaffirmed that Crimea remains an "integral part" of Ukraine. He further mentioned that any ceasefire would necessitate an immediate halt to military actions by land and sea, as this is viewed as crucial to halting Russian aggression.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the prospect of Ukraine's NATO membership was "not a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement." In the interim, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with recent strikes claiming Ukrainian lives while drone operations have resulted in damage in Russia.
Zelensky also appealed to European Union leaders for ongoing military assistance, requesting a minimum of €5 billion (£4.18 billion) for artillery shells and advocating for continuous support, which he characterized as "crucial." He urged EU involvement in peace negotiations and advised against lessening pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war.
In a related development, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that any lasting peace agreement must come with "security arrangements in place." He proposed a "coalition of the willing" to uphold peace in Ukraine, following discussions with military leaders from over 20 nations. Starmer underscored the urgency of transitioning from "political momentum" to "military planning," citing the necessity of robust backing to ensure compliance with any future agreements.
Zelensky also warned against removing NATO membership from the negotiation discussions, which Putin regards as a non-negotiable demand for peace, labeling such an action as a "big gift to Russia." Furthermore, he dismissed suggestions from the White House that he had discussed transferring control of Ukraine's nuclear power plants to the US during a conversation with President Trump. The ongoing conversations occur as the US attempts to facilitate a ceasefire after three years of warfare.
Although preliminary agreements for a ceasefire have been reached by both Zelensky and Putin through US dialogues, they have yet to materialize due to differing conditions. While Putin has recently agreed to suspend airstrikes on energy infrastructure, these attacks have continued from both sides. Zelensky's Ukrainian delegation intends to present a list of infrastructure that needs protection from Russian strikes during the upcoming talks.
In response to questions about territorial concessions, particularly regarding Crimea—which has been under Russian control since 2014—Zelensky reaffirmed that Crimea remains an "integral part" of Ukraine. He further mentioned that any ceasefire would necessitate an immediate halt to military actions by land and sea, as this is viewed as crucial to halting Russian aggression.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that the prospect of Ukraine's NATO membership was "not a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement." In the interim, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with recent strikes claiming Ukrainian lives while drone operations have resulted in damage in Russia.
Zelensky also appealed to European Union leaders for ongoing military assistance, requesting a minimum of €5 billion (£4.18 billion) for artillery shells and advocating for continuous support, which he characterized as "crucial." He urged EU involvement in peace negotiations and advised against lessening pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war.
In a related development, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that any lasting peace agreement must come with "security arrangements in place." He proposed a "coalition of the willing" to uphold peace in Ukraine, following discussions with military leaders from over 20 nations. Starmer underscored the urgency of transitioning from "political momentum" to "military planning," citing the necessity of robust backing to ensure compliance with any future agreements.
