Zelenskyy responds to reports about preparations for talks in Moscow
The Ukrainian Times reported that Kyiv is considering the possibility of sending a negotiation delegation to Moscow. The Ukrainian president ruled out the possibility of holding meetings in the capitals of Russia and Belarus.
According to "Novini.LIVE," Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not agree to peace talks in Moscow or Minsk.
"I cannot go to Moscow to negotiate with President Putin," he said.
Zelenskyy said he is willing to support the U.S. proposal, holding meetings in "any territory of the United States, Europe, or a neutral country - any country other than Russia and Belarus."
Previously, the Ukrainian Times cited sources saying that Kyiv was considering sending a delegation to Moscow for mediation talks.
Russian officials had said that if Zelenskyy went to Moscow for talks, they would provide security guarantees. Russian presidential aide Ushakov explained, "We have never refused and will not refuse such contact. The key is two points: first, such contact must be fully prepared; second, it should be aimed at achieving specific results."
The Kremlin emphasized that Putin does not rule out the possibility of meeting with Zelenskyy, "but believes that any high-level meeting must be fully prepared in order to ultimately finalize the work completed in advance by experts."
Earlier that day, Zelenskyy said that the next round of peace mediation meetings could take place on Tuesday or Wednesday (February 17 or 18). The main topic of the meeting would be the U.S. initiative to establish a free economic zone in the Donbas region.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856875664026636/
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