Zelenskyy ready for direct talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he is prepared for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Zelenskyy conveyed his readiness for any format of talks that could achieve peace.

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We are constantly in contact with the American side regarding our negotiators. We are waiting for the negotiation group to arrive, but, in my opinion, it is taking a very long time.

Zelenskyy expressed concern over the prolonged duration of negotiations and suggested that Ukraine is not currently the primary focus for the United States, which he believes is prioritizing issues related to Iran. "Unfortunately, we are in this queue of wars," he remarked, emphasizing the need for direct US and European involvement to encourage Putin to cease hostilities.

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Unfortunately, at the moment, Ukraine is not the center of attention for the US – the most important issue for them is Iran. Unfortunately, we are in this queue of wars.

The Ukrainian leader highlighted the nation's military strength, noting significant progress in deep strikes against enemy territory. Data analyzed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and reported by AFP indicated that Ukraine regained more territory in May than it lost to Russia for the second consecutive month. Zelenskyy also appealed to NATO members for an expanded supply of air defense systems, specifically requesting US-made Patriot batteries and ammunition to counter Russian ballistic missile threats.

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I really think that the US is the strongest player that can push Putin to end the war. The best option for us is to involve the US and Europe in the negotiations.

He stressed that Ukraine does not want to wait for global conflicts to conclude before its own situation is addressed. "The best option for us is to involve the US and Europe in the negotiations," Zelenskyy concluded, underscoring the urgency of a swift resolution.

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We support any format, and I am ready for direct negotiations with Putin to end this war, rather than wait in line until all conflicts in the world end and only then our turn comes.