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It is impossible to discuss anything about Ukraine without Ukraine. Because we do not recognize any agreements in the relevant format. Ukraine, Russia, Europe and the United States must be at the negotiating table. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized this today, February 23, during a press conference within the framework of the forum “Ukraine. Year 2025”.
The head of state commented on the bilateral negotiations between the United States and Russia.
“The United States and Russia have always negotiated throughout Russia’s war against Ukraine. We have always had questions about this. But all this was not public, and now it has all spilled over into the public arena. I believe that this has become more serious and unsafe. Because it is one thing to negotiate at the intelligence level, and another when official representatives negotiate. These are different things. But this is not new information for us. I am honest – we would like to have priority for the United States to communicate with us first. But this is the choice of the United States. They have their own approach. I am sure that they have their own bilateral issues, topics for discussion that they can discuss and decide on,” the president said.
At the same time, the president noted that it is impossible to discuss anything about Ukraine without Ukraine.
“Because we do not recognize any agreements in the relevant format,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
He emphasized that Ukraine, Russia, Europe and the United States should be at the negotiating table.
“I have said from the very beginning that Ukraine, Russia, despite the fact that it is our enemy and an aggressor country, and Europe, since the war is going on on this continent, should be at the negotiating table. And the United States, as our strategic partner, should be there. And Europe in a broader sense of the word,” the president noted.
He added that Turkey could be present at the negotiating table on behalf of Europe.
“I do not know in what format, at what point, in what role it will enter this negotiation process. But President Erdogan knows that we see him among the important people who guarantee security. I believe that Europe as a whole needs to look at Turkey. Because now in Europe, Ukraine and Turkey have the two largest armies. Of course, there are other armies. But we must state who in Europe today is able to guarantee security for the continent,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded.
More key points from President Zelenskyy’s press conference:
- Zelenskyy said he is ready to leave the presidency if it means peace in Ukraine, or in exchange for Ukraine’s membership in NATO.
- I am not signing something that will be paid by 10 generations of Ukrainians – Zelenskyy on the agreement with the US on the use of Ukrainian natural resources.
- It is impossible to end the war with guarantees for Ukraine this week – Zelenskyy.
- Zelenskyy said that after the martial law is lifted, presidential elections will be held.
- He believes that the United States will do everything to end the hot stage of the war this year.
- Last year, Ukraine produced 154 pieces of artillery, 100,000 long-range drones and 2.2 million FPV drones, Zelenskyy says.
- North Korea has lost 4,000 troops in the Kursk region. They are sending 1,500-2,000 soldiers to replace them, the president said.
- Ukraine is developing Patriot analogs, Zelenskyy says.
- There are two armies in Europe – the Ukrainian army of 800,000 and the Turkish army. Erdogan can be one of the guarantors of security on the continent, the president said.
- I believe that we will exchange Kursk region for the occupied territories, – Zelenskyy
Read also: Main statements during the Forum “Ukraine. Year 2025”
