Zelenskyy seeks to involve the EU and NATO in dialogue with Russia

Zelenskyy seeks to involve the EU and NATO in dialogue with Russia

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that in possible negotiations with the Russian Federation after appropriately strengthening Ukraine’s positions, representatives of the EU and NATO should participate.

Zelenskyy made this statement at a press conference with the President of the European Council, António Costa, in Kyiv.

"When we have this list (of points that will put Ukraine in a strong position – Ed.), then we can sit down and communicate. Who will be at this negotiating table? Yes, Russia, Ukraine, and, as I said, the European Union and NATO.

Why? Because we see ourselves as part of the security system in these alliances. And in this format, I understand when we can sit down, what we will talk about. Because I understand who is around us and what we can negotiate about."

At the same time, Zelenskyy noted that the most difficult question that needs to be resolved is whether Russia agrees to see Ukraine as an independent country at all.

"I think the most difficult question we will need to address… because the person sitting opposite, Russia, if they do not want peace, do not want to see Ukraine as an independent country in the future, what can we negotiate?" he noted.

The President also emphasized that if the war is frozen without a strong position for Ukraine, Russia will soon return with new aggression.

"If the conflict is frozen without any strong position for Ukraine, then Putin will come in 2-3-5 years, it does not depend on us, he will return and destroy us completely and utterly. He will try to destroy us," he added.