Zelenskyy: If anyone withdraws from peace talks, we'll look for other formats

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that if any party withdraws from the peace talks, Ukraine and its partners will look for other formats to compel Russia to end the war.

Source: Zelenskyy speaking to journalists on Monday, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "We are discussing the possibilities of ending the war at the negotiating table. It's a simple thing to say we are ready to walk away – any of the three sides can leave – but we are still gathering in order to achieve a result. So there is no need to threaten anyone; we need to continue the negotiations.

If someone does decide to withdraw, what can I say – we will look for other formats to force Russia to end this war."

Details: Meanwhile, Russia's Interfax reported that Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed Moscow considers a political and diplomatic settlement "the best option" and remains open to "peaceful methods".

Background:

• According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Russia may withdraw from the peace talks if Ukraine refuses to pull its troops out of the entire Donbas. Russian officials are reportedly increasingly convinced there is little point in continuing US-mediated negotiations if Kyiv is not prepared to make territorial concessions.
• In late February, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not agree to territorial concessions in exchange for a ceasefire, as Russian leader Vladimir Putin has no intention of ending the war.

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