Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has announced that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prepared to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address two critical issues in ongoing peace talks: territorial disputes and the future control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. This statement was made in an interview with European Pravda on January 27.
Sybiha emphasized that the unresolved matters concerning “territories” and the nuclear plant are pivotal, asserting that they are the main reasons for Zelenskyy’s willingness to engage in direct discussions with Putin. He expressed that there is no necessity for a separate meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, as the existing negotiating teams, which include foreign ministry delegates, are already in place to facilitate these discussions.
In addition to the possibility of direct talks, Sybiha noted that substantial discussions have taken place regarding ceasefire terms and how such arrangements will be monitored and verified moving forward. Zelenskyy also disclosed that preparations are being made for another round of negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, slated for February 1.
Previously, President Zelenskyy had reiterated Ukraine’s firm stance against territorial concessions, asserting that the nation will not “give or forget anything” in its negotiations with Russia. This commitment highlights Ukraine’s determination to uphold its sovereignty amid ongoing tensions. The forthcoming negotiations may provide an opportunity to advance a resolution to the ongoing conflict, potentially paving the way for a more stable future for the region.