Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his associates in prison as a significant compromise for Ukraine and the international community. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on February 13, Zelensky emphasized the need for increased pressure on Moscow, which he believes is unwilling to end the conflict.
Zelensky noted that the United States has suggested Ukraine consider compromises on certain issues to facilitate the conclusion of the war. He stated,
“We have made many compromises. Putin and his friends are not in prison. This is the biggest compromise that the world has already made.”
When questioned about Russia’s territorial demands, Zelensky firmly rejected the possibility of conceding any territory, asserting that such concessions would only serve to bolster Russian ambitions. He has previously indicated that discussions regarding territorial issues cannot be resolved through technical groups and require direct contact between state leaders, as these matters are particularly complex.
On the same day, former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Zelensky to take action, claiming that Russia is eager to negotiate a deal to end the war against Ukraine.
Additionally, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that the next round of peace talks concerning the war in Ukraine is scheduled to take place in Geneva on February 17-18. Ukrainian presidential advisor Dmytro Lytvyn confirmed that this trilateral meeting will occur next week in Geneva.
In a statement to Bloomberg on February 11, Zelensky revealed that Kyiv has accepted Washington’s proposal to hold another round of negotiations between Ukrainian and American delegations in the U.S. next week, tentatively set for February 17 or 18. However, he noted that there has been no response from Russia regarding the planned talks.
Previous discussions took place in Abu Dhabi on February 4-5, involving representatives from Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia. The talks lasted approximately five hours, with discussions continuing into the following day. Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov reported that the negotiations began around noon and later transitioned into group discussions. He indicated that the delegations addressed methods for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of hostilities during the two days of talks. They also reached an agreement on a prisoner exchange, marking the first such exchange in five months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the absence of Russian leaders in prison as a major compromise. He dismissed territorial concessions and confirmed upcoming peace talks in Geneva and the U.S. aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
Source: The Guardian