Zelensky Hopes for Resumption of Peace Talks to End War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed hope that the peace negotiations to end the war, which were suspended after the Middle East conflict began, will resume. He emphasized the need for European involvement to secure security guarantees and EU membership.
At a joint press conference with Honduran President Nasri Asfura, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his hope that the negotiation process to end the war in Ukraine, paused after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, will eventually resume.
Zelensky stated that rounds of negotiations will resume, but the format remains uncertain. Europeans have their own track and favor a joint US-European approach. Ukraine also supports the latest proposed track. The president said he believes in bilateral talks, but with the mandatory participation of partners.
He explained that European involvement is crucial for Ukraine as it seeks security guarantees after the war and membership in the European Union. Zelensky also noted that Russia is being given the opportunity to choose the negotiation format.
The US-mediated negotiation process essentially halted after the US-Israeli operation against Iran began in February. Zelensky revealed that he proposed meeting Vladimir Putin at the G7 summit in France this week to discuss ending the war, but Russia was not ready to talk.
On June 4, the Ukrainian president sent a letter to the Kremlin leader offering a personal bilateral meeting to end the war and stated that Europe and the US should be involved. Meanwhile, the Kremlin announced that US special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia again soon.
