Today at 17:03
Speaking at the Reuters Next Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he recently met with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich and reiterated that he had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join negotiations at the G7 summit, despite the Kremlin denying this earlier today.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to achieve a just and lasting peace. He also emphasized the significant strengthening of Ukraine’s position, UATV English reports.
“All our partners believe that over the past month Ukraine has demonstrated several things in which it showed leadership. Ukraine demonstrated its readiness to meet with Russia and agree to a ceasefire. It demonstrated activity on the battlefield and strong capabilities in long-range strikes,” Zelenskyy said.
He stressed that while Ukraine continues to show readiness for peace and genuine diplomatic efforts, Russia and dictator Vladimir Putin are merely “playing games” with the United States and the rest of the world.
“Russia is not demonstrating any serious activity in these areas. Everyone understands that this is only a game. What is important is that everyone at the G7 meeting recognizes this. I think this is an important political shift. The G7 unanimously supports Ukraine,” the head of state said.
Other statements made by the president:
- Russia has lost the initiative in certain sectors of the battlefield, while Ukraine’s Defense Forces have liberated 100 square kilometers in one area over the past month.
- Russia will find a way to block Ukraine’s accession to the European Union if progress is not made quickly.
- According to the president, possible venues for such talks could include Switzerland, Türkiye, countries in the Middle East, or even the United States.
- Sixty percent of Russian society wants the war to end, Zelenskyy said.
“We do not play such games. We need a third country — not Russia and not Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said, commenting on Russia’s proposal to hold a meeting in Moscow.
As previously reported, Zelenskyy met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Évian on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The two leaders discussed defense support for Ukraine, the situation on the battlefield, and the results of Ukraine’s long-range sanctions campaign against Russia.
