Zelenskyy outlines five points that could strengthen Russia's position in peace talks

STANISLAV POHORILOV - 19 March, 16:51

Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: Getty Images

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during his address to participants of a European Council meeting, has spoken about key points that could strengthen Russia's position in peace negotiations.

Source: Zelenskyy's address

Quote: "In the past few days, we have received signals from the American side that talks may resume soon. But with what mindset will the Russian side come to the talks this time?

It depends on all of us together to make sure the Russians do not come to these talks feeling that their position has grown much stronger. And it is not only because of the situation around Iran, which is pushing global oil prices higher."

Details: Assessing the risk of a stronger Russian position in the negotiations, Zelenskyy noted that, first, the Russians see the active use of air defence missiles in the Middle East and the Gulf region, and they may conclude that Ukraine will face a shortage of such missiles.

Second, the president said that the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia is at a deadlock. "It could have continued the pressure on Russia to move towards real peace," he added.

Another risk, Zelenskyy said, is that the United States has eased some sanctions against Russia, which is bringing significant funds into Vladimir Putin's war budget.

Fourth, the president pointed out that the most important financial security guarantee for Ukraine from Europe – the €90 billion support package for this year and next – has not been functioning for the third consecutive month. "This is critical for us. It is a resource to protect lives," Zelenskyy said.

"And the fifth point, even today, we do not know for sure whether this support will be unblocked," the president added.

Background:

On 18 March, Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesman for Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, said that trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia are on pause due to the situation in the Middle East, but the teams remain in daily contact.
On 19 March, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also said that the pause in talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia is temporary and could end once all sides align their schedules, primarily the US.

Previously:

On 13 March, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready for a new round of talks on ending the war, but the time and venue have not yet been agreed due to the differing positions of the US and Russia.
Zelenskyy has also insisted on the need for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, noting that some issues remain at a standstill.
Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Trump is losing interest in the negotiations on a peaceful settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine, as he is focused on Iran.
On 3 March, Peskov said there was "no clarity on the timing or venue" of the next round of talks between Russia, the US and Ukraine on a peace settlement.

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