Zelenskyy explains why he sent only a political subgroup to talks in US
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine will be represented only by a political delegation at talks on 21 March in the US on ending the war, in which Russia will not attend, citing a lack of "political will" to end it.
Source: Zelenskyy speaking to journalists, as reported by European Pravda
Quote: "We made progress at the trilateral meeting, specifically regarding the military aspect. The three sides agreed in principle on how to monitor a ceasefire once there is political will. There is no political will yet, which is why a political subgroup is on its way."
Details: Zelenskyy explained that the main task of the Ukrainian team in the US will be to agree on clear parameters for trilateral talks, as well as to prepare for "relevant meetings" and to finalise the necessary documents.
In addition, the Ukrainian negotiating team will discuss with the Americans the continuation of the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) programme for procuring weapons for Ukraine. They will also raise the issue of a Ukraine-US agreement on drones.
Background:
- On 13 March, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was ready for a new round of talks on ending the war, but the time and venue had not been agreed due to the differing positions of the US and Russia.
- Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that US President Donald Trump is losing interest in the negotiations on a peaceful settlement of Russia's war against Ukraine, as he is now focused on Iran.
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