Zelenskyy: Ukraine will decide who from EU will be negotiator with Russia

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with TSN Tyzhden that Ukraine will ultimately decide who will represent the European Union in potential negotiations with Russia. According to him, the European side will propose several options, but Kyiv will make the final choice.

Zelenskyy revealed that the issue of negotiations with Russia was discussed at the European Council meeting this week. He noted that the Ukraine topic was the longest in the history of the European Council, with the non-public part lasting two hours. They discussed Europe's role in dialogue with Russia and what would happen if Putin is not brought to the negotiating table, including which countries would be at risk.

The president also stated that there are chances to open five more clusters in Ukraine's EU accession talks by the end of July, provided there is no political blocking. He emphasized that Ukraine has done everything necessary, and only political obstacles could delay the opening.

Earlier, European Pravda reported that hopes for a quick opening of clusters were not confirmed by the EU summit decision. Separately, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said he does not see himself as a negotiator with Russia. Germany, France, and the UK are reportedly developing a plan to engage Putin in talks. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni supported the idea of appointing a single EU representative for negotiations with Russia.