Ukraine wants direct talks between Putin and Zelensky – Old Continent – World – NOVA News

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said on Monday that Ukraine wants direct talks between President Vladimir Zelensky and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, as it is Putin who makes the final decisions.

“We have wanted a direct conversation for a long time,” Dmitry Kuleba said during a televised appearance, the Anadolu Agency reported.

Russian strikes continue on a number of Ukrainian cities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness to hold talks on the status of separatist regions in the eastern part of the country and the Russian-annexed Black Sea peninsula of Crimea.

However, on the air of ABC Zelensky made it clear that he would not give in to Moscow’s demands for recognition of the independence of the self-proclaimed “people’s republics”, as well as the Russian government over Crimea.

“I am ready for dialogue – we are not ready for capitulation,” he said. “We can discuss and find a compromise on how these territories will continue to live.”

Zelensky: The West has not kept its promises to defend Ukraine

According to him, it is important to pay attention to how the people there who want to be part of Ukraine are doing. The issue is much more complicated than simple recognition.

“This is another ultimatum, and we are not ready for ultimatums,” he said.

Zelensky again called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate directly.

“What needs to be done is for President Putin to start talking, to start a dialogue, instead of living in an information bubble without oxygen,” he said.

The UN Security Council discussed humanitarian corridors in Ukraine

Zelenski again called for the establishment of a no-fly zone over his country’s territory, saying it was about preventing missile strikes on civilian targets.

Regarding NATO, Zelenski expressed disappointment. He said the Alliance was not ready to accept Ukraine as a member.

“The alliance is afraid of contradictory things and confrontation with Russia,” he said.

The president has hinted that he will refrain from asking to join.

“Ukraine is not a country on its knees begging for anything,” he said.

Through a constitutional amendment in 2019, joining NATO has been declared a goal of the former Soviet republic.

READ EVERYTHING ABOUT THE MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE HERE

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