Source: statement by Zelensky on X
Details: The President believes that every move by Putin is aimed at prolonging the war and making it endless, avoiding any opportunities for genuine negotiations.
Direct quote: "Putin has once again confirmed that he fears negotiations, fears strong leaders, and is doing everything to drag out the war. Every step he takes and all his cynical tricks are aimed at making the war endless.
In 2014, Russia initiated a hybrid war against Ukraine, which it escalated to a full-scale war in 2022. Now we see that there is a chance to achieve real peace, but it is precisely Putin who is doing everything to either continue the full-scale killing or to get a pause to prepare for a new full-scale invasion while carrying out hybrid strikes."
Details: Zelensky urged world leaders to learn from past mistakes and unite efforts to compel Russia to peace. According to him, Putin is using his capabilities to destroy peace but lacks the courage to face strong and coordinated pressure.
Background:
- On January 25, President Vladimir Zelensky stated that in 2022 he enacted a decision by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) regarding the impossibility of negotiations with Russian leader Vladimir Putin to stop separatism, as the Russians attempted to pressure Ukraine through "many different corridors" that Ukraine could not control.
- On October 4, 2022, Zelensky implemented a NSDC decision on the impossibility of negotiating with RF leader Vladimir Putin.
- The text stated that the NSDC decided to "note the impossibility of conducting negotiations with the President of the Russian Federation V. Putin." It did not specify who exactly was prohibited from conducting the relevant negotiations.
- The Russians have repeatedly criticized this decision and demanded its reconsideration. In particular, on January 24, 2025, Putin expressed a desire to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to "discuss issues of interest to Moscow and Washington." In the context of the possibility of negotiations to end the war, the Russian government also reminded of Zelensky's decree prohibiting negotiations with the RF. Putin stated that international partners who sponsor Ukraine should supposedly compel Zelensky to revoke his decree.
- On January 28, 2025, Russian leader Vladimir Putin, in response to a question from his official propagandist, again stated that he is ready for negotiations with Ukraine and can "assign people" to conduct these negotiations.