Kyyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin if it is the only way to bring peace to Ukraine.
His remarks came in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, which was posted on YouTube on Tuesday.
Zelensky emphasized that he would participate in talks alongside four other parties, though he did not specify who they would be. Morgan had previously suggested a potential negotiation framework involving Russia, Ukraine, the European Union, and the United States.
"If sitting across from Putin at the negotiating table is the only way to stop the war and save Ukrainian lives, then we will consider it," Zelensky stated. However, he made it clear that he views Putin as an adversary. "I will not be kind to him. I see him as my enemy, and I believe he sees me the same way," he added.
Despite Zelensky’s openness to talks, Putin has recently dismissed the possibility of direct discussions with the Ukrainian leader. The Russian president instead indicated that Moscow is willing to negotiate but under different conditions.
As the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion approaches, both sides continue to push for strategic advantages on the battlefield. Ukraine has faced increasing difficulties in holding back Russian forces, with Zelensky acknowledging that reclaiming all lost territory may not be feasible.
"The support from our international partners has not been sufficient to completely drive Putin’s forces out of our land," Zelensky admitted.
The prospect of renewed negotiations has gained further attention as U.S. President Donald Trump—who has pledged to end the war quickly—prepares for a potential return to the White House. However, both Kyiv and the European Union remain wary of the possibility that Trump may pressure Ukraine into making major concessions to Russia.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s ultimate goal remains NATO membership, seeing it as the best path to long-term security and stability.
