Ukraine war briefing: I will sit down with US, Europe and Putin, says Zelenskyy
Guardian17 hrs
Zelenskyy Says He's Prepared to Meet Putin — If That's The Only Option
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Above: Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy pictured during a visit to Warsaw, Poland, on Jan. 15, 2025. Image copyright: Foto Olimpik/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Facts
In an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan published on Tuesday, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he'd be prepared to sit at the negotiating table with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin — as long as there were representatives from the US and the EU present and that was the only available option.
"If that is the only set-up in which we can bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose people, definitely, we will go for this set-up for the meeting," Zelenskyy said.
In October 2022, Zelenskyy signed a decree outlawing peace talks with Putin and has since ruled out negotiating with Russia a number of times. At times, he appeared to soften his stance, though he outlined conditions for talks that for Moscow were non-starters.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
If this is the only option to stop the war and stop people dying, Zelenskyy is prepared to meet with Putin as long as representatives of the US and EU are present.
Pro-Russia narrative
While doubts remain about Zelenskyy's legitimacy as president, Russia is prepared to engage in negotiations if they bring a fair end to the war.
