Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared his readiness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to bring an end to the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Zelensky made this statement during a press conference in Kyiv following a meeting with Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), reported the Anadolu Agency on Friday (7 February).
Addressing the media on Thursday, Zelensky asserted that both the United States, under former President Donald Trump, and European Union nations believe that diplomacy without Russia and, more specifically, without Putin, is unfeasible.
“Hence, I stated that if we can agree on how this war will conclude for us, I am prepared to meet Putin,” Zelensky affirmed.
Zelensky further claimed that Putin is afraid of engaging in peace talks. “We are ready for diplomacy; I have no issue with that. The problem, however, lies with Putin, who seems fundamentally afraid to discuss the cessation of this war,” he remarked.
When questioned about Ukraine's 2022 decree that banned peace negotiations with Russia during Putin's presidency—a decree signed by Zelensky himself—the Ukrainian leader contended that the restriction does not apply to him personally.
Discussing U.S. initiatives to end the ongoing war, Zelensky stated, “I am confident that our teams, both American and Ukrainian, will work together,” expressing optimism about the prospects of these plans.
He further emphasised Kyiv's focus on maintaining formal communications with Washington concerning peace strategies. Regarding his meeting with Renaud-Basso, Zelensky revealed that discussions centred on EU financial assistance to Ukraine.
In support of Ukraine, the EBRD President noted that the bank has provided financial aid worth USD 6.5 billion since 2022, with ongoing plans to invest in Ukraine's energy and private sectors.
