Zelensky to Engage in Negotiations with Russia, But There Are Conditions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed reports from Western media that Kyiv is being pushed toward dialogue with Russia, outlining the conditions under which Ukraine would consider starting negotiations with Russia. Earlier, Zelensky signed a decree on the impossibility of conducting negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also stated that Ukraine would not engage in any talks with Russia as long as Putin remains the country's president.

“Once again, restoration of territorial integrity, respect for the UN Charter, compensation for all damages caused by the war, punishment for every war criminal, and guarantees that this will not happen again. These are entirely understandable conditions,” Zelensky said in a message posted on his Telegram channel.

The Italian newspaper la Repubblica had previously reported that the U.S. and NATO are discussing the conditions under which dialogue between Ukraine and Russia might be resumed.

The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that U.S. President Joe Biden's administration is privately urging Ukraine's leadership to be open to negotiations with Russia.

The American publication The Wall Street Journal, referring to its sources, reported that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has been holding secret talks in recent months with Russian President Vladimir Putin's international affairs aide Yuri Ushakov and Secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev.

According to sources from the publication, the discussions aim to prevent the escalation of conflict in Ukraine, including the threat of nuclear weapon deployment, as well as to maintain open lines of communication between the two countries.