Zelenskyy told Abramovich that Ukraine would not withdraw from Donbas
Zelenskyy spoke about this in an interview with Sky News. Earlier, the Financial Times reported that in May, the Ukrainian president had conveyed a proposal for a meeting with Putin via Abramovich.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a meeting with Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who had travelled to Kyiv with a message regarding possible talks with Putin.
According to Zelenskyy, Abramovich stated that he had a message for the Ukrainian president and was ready to convey his response to Putin.
At the same time, Abramovich asked that the conversation remain private. Zelenskyy noted that it did not matter to Ukraine whether it was made public.
The president added that such agreements often do not work with the Russian side: if they say that something should remain between the parties, the next day it may be known not only to those involved in the conversation.
What Zelenskyy said about Donbas
According to Zelenskyy, the Russian side, through Abramovich, wanted to understand what Ukraine was prepared to offer within the scope of possible negotiations.
The President replied that the issue was not about concessions from Ukraine, as it is Russia that is waging war against Ukraine and its territory.
The key issue was Donbas.
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would not withdraw from its territory and would not allow Russia to win in this way.
In his words, Ukraine’s position was simple: Donbas would not be handed over as a condition for ending the war.
Compromises – after a ceasefire
The President also stated that any compromises are possible only after a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy emphasised that the ceasefire itself is the greatest compromise on Ukraine’s part.
In other words, Kyiv is ready to discuss the political process, but not under Russian pressure and not through an ultimatum demanding Ukraine’s withdrawal from its own territories.
Where a meeting with Putin might take place
Zelenskyy also said that he had conveyed, via Abramovich, his willingness to meet with Putin in any format.
At the same time, he clarified that such a meeting could not take place in Russia or Belarus.
According to the president, any day can be chosen, starting tomorrow, and any format – with the participation of US President Donald Trump, European leaders or in a bilateral format only.
What preceded this
Earlier, the Financial Times reported that in May, Zelenskyy had conveyed a proposal for a face-to-face meeting to Putin via Abramovich.
On 4 June, Zelenskyy published an open letter to Putin, in which he proposed setting a date for talks to end the war.
In the letter, the Ukrainian president stated that the meeting should not take place in Moscow or Kyiv, but on neutral ground. Among the possible countries, he mentioned Switzerland, Turkey and Arab states.
Zelenskyy also proposed a complete ceasefire for the duration of the talks, an exchange of prisoners of war on an ‘all for all’ basis, and the return of civilians and children whom Russia had taken away during the war.
Putin’s position
He also said that Zelenskyy had allegedly requested the meeting through a Russian businessman.
Following Zelenskyy’s interview, it became clear that this referred to Abramovich, who had previously been involved in attempts at informal communication between the parties.
What is important
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Abramovich does not signify a change in Ukraine’s position on Donbas.
On the contrary, the president stated that this very issue was key and Ukraine’s response was categorical: there will be no withdrawal from Donbas.
Ukraine is ready for negotiations and a ceasefire, but not to surrender its own territory as the price for talks.
As reported by ThePublic, the UK has given Abramovich 90 days to transfer £2.5 billion to aid Ukraine.
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