Putin fears direct talks with Ukraine – Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is afraid of engaging in direct negotiations with Ukraine, perceiving such actions as a sign of defeat and weakness.
Zelensky made this statement in an interview with The Associated Press, according to Ukrinform.
"In his [Putin's] view, this [direct negotiations] means his defeat and weakness. Instead, he continues to promote the old narrative that this is a war between the West and Russia, because admitting that he is losing to Ukraine is unbearable for him," Zelensky said.
He also said that Russia is not seeking a fair end to the war.
"They want to end it by destroying Ukraine's freedom and independence. These are not just grand words -- it is their desire and goal. But they have failed to achieve their goals. They have not achieved the main thing -- they have not destroyed Ukraine's independence. Ukraine stands strong thanks to the Ukrainian people, our army, and our partners," Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, Putin is desperately signaling that he wants to negotiate -- "but not with us, [he wants to negotiate] with Trump, with America."
"However, negotiations without Ukraine will not lead to results; it would be wrong. If President Trump and I discuss concrete steps to end this war and clearly define a path forward, then maybe after that, he [Trump] could engage with the Russians," Zelensky added.
He also stressed that Putin does not need to defeat Ukraine to claim victory. If the international community compromises with Russia, Putin will remain unpunished.
"It would send a dangerous message: aggression works. Other authoritarian leaders would see that he destroyed Ukraine's sovereignty and got away with it. That is why any U.S.-Russia negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine are dangerous. No one can decide our fate behind our backs," Zelensky said.
Zelensky stated earlier that future security guarantees for Ukraine must include commitments from both European countries and the United States.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
