Zelensky Ready to Meet Putin, But Not in Moscow or Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced his readiness to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, but he stressed that such a meeting cannot occur in either Moscow or Kyiv. 'I am ready to meet with Putin. Of course, not in Moscow and not in Kyiv. But if he is willing to meet with me, there are many places for this. We can find such a place in the Middle East, in Europe, in the USA — anywhere,' Zelensky stated in an interview with Gr Rai.

The Ukrainian president emphasized the importance of the Donbas territories, asserting that Ukraine cannot discuss their abandonment. According to him, if the Armed Forces of Ukraine withdraw from these territories, Russian troops will occupy the best-fortified positions without any losses. 'Building new lines of fortifications may take a year, a year and a half. They could attack Kharkiv and other cities that contribute significantly to our GDP. And a split will arise in society. Any split is Putin's main goal and a collapse of our independence,' the president explained.

On February 17, in an interview with Axios, Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that he had instructed his negotiation team to raise the issue of a future leaders' meeting in Geneva. The Ukrainian president stated that the best way to achieve a breakthrough on territorial issues is to meet personally with Putin. This statement underscores the importance of personal contacts between state leaders in resolving complex international issues.

Previously, Zelensky had also expressed his readiness to meet with a delegation from the Russian Federation on neutral territory, but he ruled out the possibility of meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This approach demonstrates Ukraine's desire for constructive dialogue, but with clear conditions and without any concessions on territorial integrity.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha noted that during a possible meeting between Zelensky and Putin, issues regarding territories, as well as the situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, could be discussed. This indicates that Ukraine is prepared to negotiate on significant matters concerning security and stability in the region.

Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine's position on territorial issues remains unchanged. Kyiv will not agree to cede the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which are part of Ukrainian territory, to Russia. This assertion serves as an important signal to the international community about Ukraine's steadfastness in defending its national interests.

In contrast, the Kremlin insists on the so-called Anchorage formula, which entails the withdrawal of Ukrainian Defense Forces from Donbas and freezing the current front lines in other regions in eastern and southern Ukraine. This position raises concerns in Ukraine, as it could lead to further escalation of the conflict and pose a threat to national security.

Thus, the situation surrounding potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia remains tense, with both sides clearly outlining their positions. Zelensky continues to seek ways for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but without concessions on territorial integrity.