Zelenskyy Rejects Talks in Russia or Belarus, Insists on Neutral Ground for Putin Meeting.

Statement from Ukraine's President

According to TSN.ua: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that peace talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin cannot be held on the territory of Russia or Belarus. In his public remarks, he emphasized Ukraine's readiness for dialogue on neutral ground, while ruling out traveling to Moscow for negotiations. This stance is directly tied to Ukraine's position regarding Russia's aggression in the ongoing war. The refusal underscores the deep security concerns Kyiv has about negotiating on the soil of the nations actively waging war against it.

'I cannot go to Moscow, the capital of the nation that is the aggressor in this war, to negotiate with Putin.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy further stated that Ukraine is prepared to support U.S. proposals for holding meetings in locations that are not allied with Russia:

'We are ready to support U.S. proposals to meet on any territory—America, Europe, neutral countries. Any states except Russia and Belarus.' Volodymyr Zelenskyy

It is important to note that Belarus, a Russian ally, has repeatedly facilitated Moscow's aggressive actions against Ukraine over the past year. Oleksandr Merezhko, a Ukrainian politician, has also expressed the view that sending a Ukrainian delegation to Moscow would be pointless. This collective position signals Ukraine's definitive refusal to conduct talks on the territory of nations supporting aggression against it.

Ukraine's Stance on Peace Negotiations

President Zelenskyy's statement reflects Ukraine's clear position regarding the war with Russia and the necessity for peace talks to be held under safe and neutral conditions. The firm insistence on this point demonstrates Ukraine's heightened caution in dealings with the aggressor, as well as its aim to avoid potential manipulation by Moscow.

The willingness to engage in dialogue on territories not allied with Russia highlights the search for alternative pathways to achieve peace and stability in the region. This principle of venue has become a key point of diplomatic contention since the full-scale invasion began.