Zelenskyy seeks to resume talks with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv wants to resume suspended talks with Russia, adding that his negotiators are heading to the United States for a weekend meeting. He said it was necessary to end the current pause and achieve meaningful progress after more than four years of war.

At the same time, he pointed to several factors that could strengthen Moscow’s position in any negotiations, Ukrainska Pravda reports.

He cited tensions in the Middle East, which are driving up oil prices while also raising the risk of shortages in air defence supplies for Ukraine.

He also pointed to the stalled EU sanctions package and the easing of some US measures against Russia, which could boost Moscow’s military budget.

Zelenskyy further highlighted delays in European financial aid amounting to €90 billion.

Talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia are currently suspended, though both sides describe this as a temporary situation. The Kremlin said on Thursday that the war in the Middle East could force Kyiv to compromise.

(reuters, pir)