Zelensky doesn't believe in prospect of peace talks with russia
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that he does not believe in the prospect of peace negotiations with the russian federation and is not going to return to them as long as russia continues to speak in the language of ultimatums.
He said this in an interview with CNN.
"They don't want the end of the war. Although they already feel tired. Only the Kremlin, only one person who heads russia, is not tired of this war. He (putin – ed.) may be tired of living in principle because of his age, but he is not tired of the war," Zelensky said.
The President of Ukraine noted that when russia wants peace, "we will feel it and see it," however, for now, the russian side's statements about peace talks remain only words.
"Words alone are not enough. Stop the war, leave our territory, stop killing people, start repairing the damage you have caused to our country, and bring the criminals to justice… But for now, these are just words," he added.
According to the head of state, negotiations with putin are impossible because he continues to speak only in the language of ultimatums.
"I heard nothing but ultimatums from the current president of the russian federation. Starting from February 24, there were only ultimatums: denazification, demilitarization… Everything starts with the part 'de-'; they always want to deprive us of something. By force, on our land. Therefore, I said I would not talk to this person if he authorized and held fictitious 'referendums.' I said that if this is done, it will mean disrespect for our people, rights, and freedoms… Then what to talk to him about? But I did not close the door to negotiations. I said we would be ready to speak with russia, but with a different Russia," Zelensky said.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that it will be possible to return to the topic of negotiations with the russian federation only when the russian side is ready to make significant concessions.
"It will be possible to talk about this when they recognize themselves as occupiers and show readiness to return everything to us: land, rights, freedom, money, and, most importantly, justice. Because for parents who lost their children, money will not be enough. It is for them, not a priority. They need justice. But so far, I have not heard such statements from the russian federation, neither from putin nor from anyone else," Zelensky said.
