Ukrainian President's Statement on Negotiations with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that no direct agreements exist with Russia to halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He made this clear during a meeting with journalists, emphasizing that no dialogue on this specific issue has taken place.
“There has been no direct dialogue, no direct agreements between us and Russia to stop attacks on energy facilities,” Zelenskyy noted.
The President also dismissed the possibility of meeting Vladimir Putin on Russian or Belarusian territory, stating:
“That is the same as meeting Putin in Kyiv. I can just as well invite him to Kyiv, let him come. I am publicly inviting him, if he dares, of course.”A negotiation meeting between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in Abu Dhabi was scheduled for the upcoming Sunday, but Zelenskyy indicated a possible postponement due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
Key Priorities Outlined for Defense Minister
During the meeting, the president outlined three key priorities for Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. These include:
- Securing the skies from enemy attacks,
- Resolving issues related to forced mobilization,
- Finalizing the transition to a fully professional, contract-based army.
Zelenskyy further stressed that Ukraine will be technically prepared for European Union accession by 2027. He confirmed Ukraine's support for 18 out of 20 points in the American peace settlement plan.
Additionally, the president mentioned receiving signals about secret discussions between the U.S. and Russia in Anchorage, particularly regarding the situation in Donbas. He also recalled that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously appealed to Vladimir Putin to halt shelling of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for one week.
This statement underscores the fragile state of Ukraine-Russia negotiations and the lack of progress toward peace. With Russia's ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure, securing energy systems remains a critical wartime challenge. The outlined defense priorities highlight the government's focus on strengthening national resilience amid the continuing threat.