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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that Kyiv will not accept any ultimatums from Russia. He emphasized that the talks between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia are taking place without Ukraine’s participation, which is unacceptable.
“If we did not give ultimatums at the most difficult moment, why do we feel that we will give them now?” Zelenskyy said during a meeting with the Ukrainian community in Ankara.
What does Russia demand?
The President recalled that at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Moscow made unacceptable demands:
Reduction of the Ukrainian army
Recognition of the occupied territories as part of the Russian Federation
Appointment of pro-Russian leadership in Ukraine
According to Zelenskyy, the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia may again be about imposing concessions on Ukraine, but without its direct participation.
Negotiations in Saudi Arabia
February 12 Donald Trump says he may meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia.
February 14 The Saudi Foreign Ministry confirms its readiness to become a platform for negotiations.
On February 17, it is announced that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Kremlin adviser Ushakov are flying to the United States for talks.
On February 18, the US and Russian delegations met.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine does not change its principles and will not make concessions that could threaten its sovereignty.
“As president of Ukraine, I have not guaranteed or confirmed anything to anyone. Moreover, I was not going to give in to Russia’s ultimatums and I am not going to,” Zelenskyy summarized.
