Zelensky open to compromise on ceasefire before Putin talks

Zelensky open to compromise on ceasefire before Putin talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to make some compromises on his call for a ceasefire ahead of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin - provided security guarantees for Ukraine are established.

The background to the negotiations

Selenskyj's statements are made at a time when Moscow openly contradicts the narrative of the White House that plans for a bilateral meeting between Putin and Selenskyj are "in progress". Ukraine and its European allies have long been pushing for an armistice as the first step to terminate the war, which requires the solution to seemingly insurmountable problems, such as the country and security guarantees. After US President Donald Trump has spoken out for a “peace agreement” instead of an immediate ceasefire, Selenskyj was flexible.

Zelensky's comments on the possibility of negotiations

"The proposed format probably includes a compromise," said Selenskyj. "I have announced President Trump that we need a phase of calm to develop a comprehensive plan to end the war - if we really want the plan to be serious." Selenskyj indicates that Ukraine is waiting for the creation of an "architecture for security guarantees" within the next seven to ten days before a date for discussions with the Kremlin can be set. "From this understanding we strive for a trilateral meeting. That was my logic," added Selenskyj.

Ukrainian security guarantees and arms deliveries

Ukraine has previously agreed its security guarantees with Washington, meaning about $90 billion will be spent on US weapons. Zelensky defended these costs by saying: "I believe that a strong stock of weapons has been outlined that the Ukrainian army needs as part of the security guarantees. This amount is justified."

Kremlin shows little interest in bilateral talks

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday that the Kremlin proposed to send high -ranking civil servants for talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, but without confirming that Russia supports a leadership meeting. "Putin has confirmed his willingness to continue the direct Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, which, as you know, took place in Istanbul," said Lavrov, referring to negotiation rounds in Turkey, in which Moscow and Kiev agreed to exchange capitals, but did not make progress on a ceasefire.

Challenges in negotiations

Lavrov also stressed that discussing Ukraine's security without Moscow is a "utopia and a road to nowhere." While the Kremlin dismissed the proposal for a leadership summit and progress in talks on security guarantees, it also tried to portray that the Ukrainian side was obstructing further talks. “So far there has been no response from Ukraine, but after a phone call with President Trump the day before yesterday, our president (Putin) made a proposal not only to continue these talks, but also to think about raising the level of heads of delegations,” Lavrov added.

So far, the talks in Istanbul have only taken place between lower-level and technical officials. In May, Putin decided not to attend talks in Turkey that he himself had proposed. “We are ready for all formats, but when it comes to high-level meetings, the previous stages must be carefully prepared so that the summits do not lead to a worsening of the situation and really end the negotiations that we are ready to continue,” the Russian Foreign Minister concluded on Wednesday.