Zelensky: Ukraine will not offer Putin any salad or juice on the “menu”

The head of state announced this during an online press conference, as reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.

Commenting on the question of how the president perceives Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s attempts to include the conflict with Ukraine in a broader context, including problems in the Middle East, during negotiations with the American side, Zelensky responded:

Read also: Zelensky commented on Trump-Putin talks: Ukrainians understand what happens when an air raid alarm sounds in Ukraine

“A broader range of issues is an attempt to exclude Ukraine from the process as much as possible. Indeed, the parties have a wide range of interests, and this is obvious. The United States is an independent country (…), they can discuss any topic. It seems to me that these are their bilateral relations, although, of course, they also influence our situation, primarily the war in Ukraine. That is why I would not want… I spoke about this quite frankly with the American side. With all due respect, I do not intend to offend anyone, but I do not want us to be on Putin's “menu”. You know, we are not salad or juice for him, despite his appetite.”

The President confirmed that Ukraine is an independent state.

Read also: Russia not ready for ceasefire despite public statements – Zelensky

“Therefore, it is wrong to negotiate about something without our participation, since this will not bring the desired results for anyone,” the head of state said.

As reported by Ukrinform, on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump had a telephone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The conversation lasted more than an hour and a half.

Read also: Zelensky on Putin's demand to stop aiding Ukraine: serious partners won't agree to this

The Trump administration said Russia had agreed to a limited cease-fire that would mean no energy or infrastructure targets would be attacked as part of a U.S.-led peace initiative in Ukraine.