Zelensky Calls for a “Strong” US Reaction Should Putin Refuse to Meet
Zelenskyy has emphasized the ambiguity surrounding Russia’s peace aspirations and called for a robust US response should Putin reject bilateral talks.
If Russian President Vladimir Putin is still unwilling to hold a bilateral meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has demanded a “strong reaction” from the US.
Despite acknowledging that Putin might not be amenable to a settlement, US President Donald Trump has made this declaration as he works to mediate a peace agreement between the two countries.
During a conference with reporters in Kyiv, Zelenskyy made remarks that highlight the ambiguity of the peace process. “I immediately responded to the proposal for a bilateral meeting: we are ready,” he said. What if the Russians aren’t prepared, though? “We would like to see a strong reaction from the United States if the Russians are not ready,” he continued.
A definitive solution is still elusive despite recent diplomatic attempts. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, the struggle has evolved into a bloody war of attrition. Nearly 20% of Ukraine is currently occupied by Russia, which has gradually increased its territory in the east.
The question of territorial concessions is one of the main points of contention. Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia’s objectives are still unknown, despite Trump’s suggestion that both Kyiv and Moscow would have to give up territory in order to end the conflict. “Let’s hear what Russia is willing to do before we talk about what Ukraine is willing to do,” he remarked. “We are unaware of that.”
Another challenge is deciding which city will host future negotiations. Negotiations in Budapest, Hungary, would be “challenging,” Zelenskyy said, expressing reluctance. According to its Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, Hungary, a key friend of Russia in the EU, has twice offered to host the peace negotiations.
