1 day ago
Last Updated:June 04, 2025, 20:19 IST
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using peace talks as a tactic to delay fresh US sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference in Kyiv. (IMAGE: AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday said he is willing to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, former US President Donald Trump or Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “any day" in a bid to revive stalled efforts to end the war with Russia.
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said, “We are open. I’m ready for a meeting with President Putin, President Trump, President Erdogan, any day. If it helps bring peace, we’ll be there."
Zelensky’s comments came as he accused Moscow of using current negotiations not to seek a ceasefire but to influence Washington. “They are only holding talks to appear constructive before the United States," Zelenskyy said. “Why? To delay the sanctions. This is a decision that ultimately lies with President Trump."
He also criticized a document circulated by Russia that purportedly lays out conditions for a ceasefire, calling it one-sided. “This is not a memorandum of understanding. A real memorandum requires two parties. What Russia presented is an ultimatum," he said.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come ahead of what is expected to be one of the largest prisoner exchanges between the two sides in recent months. Kyiv and Moscow are preparing to swap 500 prisoners of war this weekend.
He also said that there was no point in continuing peace talks in Istanbul with the current level of Russian delegates as they are not high-ranking enough, calling instead for a sit-down with Putin.
“We are ready for exchanges, but to continue diplomatic meetings in Istanbul at a level that does not solve anything further, I think, is pointless," he said, referring to the two agreements for prisoner of war swaps that have come out of the talks.
Tens of thousands have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine destroyed and millions forced to flee their homes in Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II.
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...
Read More
Kyiv, Ukraine
First Published:News world 'Ready To Meet Putin, Trump, Erdogan Any Day': Zelenskyy Blames Russia For Ceasefire Delay
