Zelenskyy-Putin meeting: Ukraine outlines limits of potential compromise

In an address to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and "führer" Vladimir Putin is necessary, as Russia is blocking diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives are currently on hold.

"From a diplomatic perspective, US-led peace efforts are currently paused, though American engagement remains critical. These are the geopolitical realities. We can state that the trilateral format at the delegation level has reached the limit of its effectiveness. A meeting at the leadership level is necessary," the Foreign Minister stressed.

According to Sybiha, there is no progress due to Moscow's unconstructive stance. The aggressor state shows no desire for diplomacy, choosing instead to escalate its terror and issue new ultimatums. Specifically, the Kremlin demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donetsk region, insisting on "Russian flags, currency, and jurisdiction" there.

"This is unacceptable. Ukraine will not accept any formulas at the expense of its sovereignty or territorial integrity. However, halting hostilities along the line of contact could pave the way for broader negotiations. Ukraine has viable proposals," Sybiha stressed.