US proposes format for joint talks with Ukraine and Russia – Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the United States has proposed that "peace talks" be held with representatives of Ukraine and Russia and possibly European countries.

Source: European Pravda, citing Zelenskyy at a joint press conference alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in Kyiv on 20 December

Quote from Zelenskyy: "The United States of America said it will have a separate meeting with representatives of Russia, and they proposed the following format, as far as I understand it: Ukraine, America, the 'Ruskies' and, since there are representatives of Europe there, then probably Europe too. Why do I say 'probably'? Because that would be a logical [arrangement] if such a joint meeting is to take place."

Details: Zelenskyy said that such a joint meeting would make sense "if we understand the potential outcome of the America-Ukraine meeting that has happened".

Quote: "We will understand whether there is a positive outcome or not and we will take it from there."

Background:

• On the evening of 19 December, Rustem Umierov, Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, said that a meeting between the Ukrainian negotiating delegation and US and European partners had concluded.
• US negotiators are set to meet with Russian officials in Florida on Saturday 20 December for final talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!