Ukraine is ready to discuss with Russia the issue of refusing to join NATO and the status of Crimea, but only when battles cease, and the Russian troops are withdrawn from the country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated.
“The chances of successful negotiations with Russia are decreasing day by day. Ukraine cannot concede its territories; however, dialogue is needed. If there is such an opportunity, we will talk, but without ultimatums. The sooner that happens, the fewer people will die, but we can still fight with Russia for another 10 years,” he said.
Zelensky also expressed the opinion that more than one meeting with the Russian leadership is needed to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.
“There are many issues to discuss. I do not think they will accept some of our options, and we will not accept theirs either,” he said, explaining that one of the issues concerns Donbas.
The President added that it would be expedient to hold a high-level meeting between the two countries when it becomes clear which countries are ready to act as a guarantor of Kyiv’s security. According to him, in the next 10 days they will receive answers from 5-7 countries. Zelensky stressed that the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, France and Poland have already announced their readiness to guarantee Ukraine's security.
Volodymyr Zelensky wants to gain time by announcing talks with Moscow, while at the same time applying to NATO for military assistance. The Speaker of the Russian State Duma expressed such an opinion.
Vyacheslav Volodin said that the President of Ukraine should immediately withdraw his troops from the territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics if he cares about his people.
“Zelensky must also make clear in writing his commitments on the recognition of Crimea and Ukraine's non-aligned status,” the State Duma spokesman added.
