President’s Office denies that EU leaders persuaded Zelensky to negotiate with putin

The President's Office of Ukraine denied rumors that on June 16, during the talks, the leaders of the European Union were trying to persuade President Volodymyr Zelensky to resume negotiations with russia's leadership.

It was stated by OPU spokesman Serhiy Nykyforov in a comment to Ukrinform.

"On the contrary, yesterday during the meeting, it was stated that only Ukraine can determine when and under what conditions to sit at the negotiating table with russia. In addition, our partners expressed interest in Ukraine being in the most favorable negotiating position. That is why they will continue to provide us with defense, economic and political support," he said.

Earlier, the German newspaper Die Welt reported from its sources that in closed-door talks, EU leaders were urging Zelensky to resume negotiations with russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders were allegedly urging him to reach a truce, as the economic consequences of the sanctions also put pressure on European economies.

As Rubryka reported, yesterday, June 16, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and Romania, at the meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky at the Presidential Palace, called for "immediate" EU candidate status for Ukraine.

Today it became known that the European Commission recommends granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership.