"Of course, I am ready. We need to attend that event. We need to meet, talk, and make decisions," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview published on 12/9. He was responding to a question about the possibility of meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit, which is scheduled for December in Miami.
According to President Zelensky, the issue is not about words. What he says or what the Russian leader wishes to say "is not important."
"Only results truly matter. Results are what hold meaning. That is all," Mr. Zelensky stated.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on 6/9. *Photo: AFP* |
The US is actively working to restart long-stalled negotiations aimed at finding a solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently visited both Moscow and Kyiv to discuss the matter.
Mr. Zelensky said the visit by envoys Witkoff and Kushner was a positive signal. He emphasized the importance of their visits to both Kyiv and Moscow.
"That demonstrates respect for our people," he remarked.
In late August, a Russian delegation attended the G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors on 31/8 in Asheville, North Carolina. The Russian delegation is also expected to participate in the G20 energy ministers' meeting next week.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has not yet confirmed its attendance at the G20 summit in Miami. Mr. Peskov reiterated President Putin's demand that Mr. Zelensky must travel to Russia for any negotiations.
"If he truly wants to meet President Putin, then Mr. Putin has previously stated that he could fly to Moscow," Peskov announced.
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From left: Envoys Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on 6/9. *Photo: AP* |
When asked about Ukraine's position ahead of potential negotiations, Mr. Zelensky noted that "on the battlefield, Ukraine is considerably stronger now than last year." Thus, he believes the country "is in a favorable position for negotiations."
US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Putin, discussed the conflict by phone earlier this week. The Kremlin described the discussion as "very frank" and constructive. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader also announced plans to meet Mr. Trump this month.
Ngoc Anh (*According to AFP, AP*)
