Zelensky: Putin fears negotiations because he cannot admit defeat.

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Vladimir Putin is not interested in direct negotiations with Ukraine, as he sees them as his defeat. Zelensky declared that the Russians do not wish to end the war fairly, and Putin fears direct negotiations. The president also emphasized that Putin is doing everything possible to demonstrate that this conflict is between the West and Russia, rather than a victory or defeat for Ukraine.

Zelensky also noted that Putin wishes to negotiate with U.S. President Donald Trump, but such meetings without Ukraine's participation will not lead to real results. He urged Trump to communicate with Putin only after Ukraine and the U.S. take specific steps to end the war. Zelensky believes that Putin will seek justifications and delay time when Trump agrees to negotiate with Ukraine.

The president stressed that excluding Ukraine from U.S.-Russia negotiations is dangerous, and Putin's actions are aimed at prolonging the war and evading real negotiations.