Zelenskyy expressed his disappointment at the lack of visits by US negotiators to Kyiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that no special significance should be attached to a possible visit to Kyiv by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to him, the Ukrainian side is in constant contact with them, reports DW.
“We must not make a big fuss about the arrival of Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, because we are in contact with them. And I believe that their visit is not necessary for us, but for them. Why? Because travelling to Moscow and not coming to Kyiv is disrespectful,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The President noted that despite the logistical challenges posed by the war, other leaders are visiting Ukraine. He emphasised that for the Ukrainian side, the outcome of the negotiations is what matters, not where they take place.
“We’re not talking about the venue, we’re talking about the outcome. They’re in contact by phone, and over the phone they’re expressing a desire to continue communication and negotiations,” he noted.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is proposing the simplest possible format for a ceasefire. This involves halting hostilities along the current front line.
“This is the quickest way to stop, as the Americans say, the killing. And all serious players must adhere to this format,” said the president.
He added that complex agreements are difficult to monitor, so the first step must be a ceasefire.
“Let’s start by ceasing fire. For the long term. This could mark the end of the war in its military form. And then we will move on to the next diplomatic steps,” the head of state noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stated that he had no information regarding the timing of a possible visit by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Ukraine. According to him, US representatives are focused on resolving the situation in Iran.
The latest trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia took place on 17 February in Geneva. Following the launch of the US and Israeli operation against Iran, the talks came to a standstill. Currently, US representatives are prepared to hold meetings only on their own territory, whilst the Russian side does not agree to this.
The President also reiterated his rejection of Russia’s demand for the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. According to him, such a move would amount to a strategic defeat for Ukraine.
He noted that a retreat without proper fortifications and a defensive line would weaken the state’s position and affect the morale of the military.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew attention to the lack of security guarantees in such a scenario. He asked what would deter Russia from resuming its offensive in the future.
