Zelenskiy Accuses Putin of Seeking Talks to Escape Isolation, Not Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more interested in negotiating with foreign leaders to alleviate his international isolation rather than seeking a true resolution to the ongoing conflict. In a recent radio interview, Zelenskiy remarked that Putin's actions indicate a lack of genuine interest in achieving peace.
On November 16, following a recent telephone conversation between Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Zelenskiy stated, "I think that Putin does not want peace at all, but this does not mean that he does not want to sit down with some of the leaders at the negotiating table. For him, political isolation means destruction. It is quite profitable for him to sit down, talk, and disagree."
Zelenskiy pointed out that the restrictions imposed on Putin due to the war have prevented him from traveling freely. Engaging in talks, according to Zelenskiy, could provide Putin with a reprieve from his isolation: "He can't travel, and to negotiate means he would be able to go somewhere. This would be the end of his isolation for him."
Despite reservations about Putin’s motivations, Zelenskiy emphasized the urgency of ending the conflict as soon as possible. He acknowledged the deteriorating situation on the battlefield, particularly in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces are reportedly making incremental advances against the Ukrainian army. "From our side, we must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means," he stated.
Zelenskiy also expressed a desire to communicate directly with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. He insisted that conversations with Trump must occur without intermediaries, a stipulation he recognized is currently hindered by U.S. law prior to Trump’s inauguration. "As the president of Ukraine, I will only take seriously a conversation with the president of the United States of America, with all due respect to any entourage to any people," he stressed.
Additionally, Zelenskiy criticized Chancellor Scholz's recent discussion with Putin, suggesting it might have detrimental effects on isolating the Russian leader, thus undermining efforts to secure a fair peace in Ukraine. "It had opened a Pandora's box that undermined efforts to isolate Putin and end the war in Ukraine with a fair peace," he warned.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire as Russian military actions continue to inflict damage on key cities and infrastructure. On November 16, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces launched 83 drones and an S300 missile at various targets. Ukraine's air defense managed to shoot down 53 of these drones across 11 regions including Cherkasy, Odesa, Kyiv, and others.
Regrettably, civilian casualties persist, with reports indicating that Russian shelling resulted in the death of one individual in Slovyansk, located in the eastern Donetsk region, as reported by regional Governor Vadym Lyakh.
As the conflict prolongs, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, further complicating the prospect of a resolution that could bring peace to the war-torn nation.
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