Negotiations with Russia. Zelensky made a statement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the country has no intention of conducting secret negotiations with Russia, as it values the trust of its Western partners. He added that Ukraine can only consider the possibility of negotiations on the condition of a strong position and also requires reliable security guarantees.

The president emphasized the importance of maintaining and developing cooperation with partners from the EU and NATO. He noted that Ukraine has a sufficient number of allies in Europe who are conducting negotiations with Russia or refraining from a clear position regarding Ukraine and Russia, but there are not many such countries.

Zelensky stressed that no secret negotiations with Russia are taking place behind the partners' backs. He also emphasized that any negotiations with the Russians are impossible without Ukraine's participation, so if any country conducts such negotiations behind the Ukrainians' backs, Kyiv will respond decisively.

The president does not plan to meet with newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin in January. He is trying to meet with Trump first and draw European attention to the negotiations. Zelensky expressed the importance of Europe’s support, which must support Ukraine.

Polish President Andrzej Duda also supported Ukraine and stated that it is impossible to conduct negotiations about Ukraine and the cessation of war without Ukraine's participation.