President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his readiness to hold talks with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, provided there is an understanding regarding ending the war, Interfax-Ukraine news agency, citing Zelensky in a statement to journalists, reports.
"Certainly, the United States, President [Donald] Trump and the EU countries believe that diplomacy is impossible without Russia and Putin, so I said I was ready if we had an understanding of how this war would end for us. We're ready for diplomacy; I have no problem with that... The problem is that Putin, I think, is afraid to talk to me about ending the war. I don't know why, as a seemingly grown-up man, he's afraid to be alone with another man without his own posse. Anyway, I think Trump will be able to force him to end the war," Zelensky said.
Zelensky also stressed the importance of a sustainable peace with strong security guarantees. He reported working with Washington on this issue.
"Nevertheless, we're going to work to ensure this is a common understanding and vision. Even if Russia does not like something, we need a common vision among our partners. And then we're ready for diplomacy," Zelensky said.
