Main points
- Zelenskyy said that Russia's refusal to hold a trilateral meeting could lead to a protracted war.
- If Putin agrees to the meeting, there is a chance to end the war in the coming months, but refusal would mean a “long war.”
Zelensky said that Russia's refusal to negotiate would threaten a protracted war / Photo Getty Images
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if Russia refuses the trilateral meeting, the war could become protracted. According to him, the key role in the development of events will be played by the United States and the level of European involvement.
In an interview with Sky News, the president said that during a conversation with Donald Trump, he proposed holding a trilateral meeting at the leadership level.
What did Zelensky say about the possible continuation of the war?
According to Zelensky, if Vladimir Putin agrees to a meeting of leaders, there will be an opportunity to try to end the war in the coming months.
If Russian dictator Putin is ready for a trilateral meeting, we will have a chance in these six months, in these few months, to meet and try to end the war,
– said the head of state.
The president warned that the Kremlin's refusal to negotiate would mean a “long war.” The situation could become more complicated closer to the US election, when the American administration will be more focused on domestic politics.
If Washington's activity decreases, according to Zelensky, Europe may try to take over the leadership in the negotiation process, but its participation is not yet complete. If diplomatic efforts fail, hostilities may drag on indefinitely.
How are peace talks progressing to end the war in Ukraine?
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On February 26, a four-hour meeting of Ukrainian and American delegations took place in Geneva, where they discussed economic support for Ukraine, preparations for the next round of negotiations with Russia, and humanitarian issues. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov emphasized the importance of discussing mechanisms for economic support, Ukraine's reconstruction, investments, long-term cooperation, and issues of prisoner exchange.
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The President of Ukraine announced that a new round of peace talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia will take place in early March in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Zelensky noted that Russia is not showing readiness for peace, and the world should put pressure on Moscow by stopping Russian oil and other energy resources.
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However, the issue of territories remains one of the most important for the delegations to discuss. Volodymyr Zelensky said that returning all Ukrainian territories by military means at this time would mean too great losses. Zelensky rejected the idea of transferring territories to Russia, noting that this would lead to immediate occupation and repression against Ukrainians in these areas.