Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in person to address two critical issues related to peace negotiations: the territories in question and the future control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). This announcement was made by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during an interview with European Pravda.
Sybiha emphasized that these two matters are among the most sensitive and unresolved in the ongoing peace process. He stated, “It is precisely to resolve them that the president is ready to meet Putin and discuss this.”
The foreign minister also indicated that he does not see a necessity for his own meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. He believes that it would be unproductive to create parallel diplomatic efforts at this stage, suggesting that existing negotiating teams—comprised of representatives from the foreign ministries—are already engaged in meaningful dialogue.
The current negotiating teams have made progress in discussions regarding the parameters for a ceasefire, as well as the monitoring and verification processes necessary for a truce. On January 26, Zelenskyy announced that preparations are underway for another meeting involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, scheduled for February 1.
This potential meeting between the leaders represents a significant step toward resolving long-standing conflicts and moving closer to a peaceful resolution in the region. Hope remains that these discussions will yield positive outcomes for both Ukraine and Russia, paving the way for stability and cooperation in the future.