Russian invasion

Peace negotiations

Zelensky: Ready to hold direct talks with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to hold direct talks with Vladimir Putin to end the war. He said this in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan, according to AFP.

– If that is the only way to achieve peace for the people of Ukraine and not lose more people, we will definitely do it.

Ukraine is ready to steer onto the “diplomatic track,” says the president, but adds that other European countries must also be at the negotiating table.

Ukraine: Putin's Claim About Zelensky Is Completely Absurd

Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Volodymyr Zelensky is “illegitimate” as president and therefore does not have the right to sign any documents in potential future peace negotiations.

“Absurd,” responds Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga in a post on X.

During Putin’s presidency, Ukraine has elected three different presidents in democratic elections, Sybiga writes. At the same time, Putin has crushed free media, organized sham elections, and murdered and imprisoned political opponents, he continues.

“Putin’s statements are lies designed to mislead foreign leaders and public opinion. Only fools trust them,” he writes.

Zelenskyy’s term as president expires in May 2024, but Ukraine has been unable to hold elections due to the full-scale Russian invasion.

The world's response
Olaf Scholz: Trump's demands on Ukraine are selfish

It is selfish and self-centered for Donald Trump to ask Ukraine for rare earth metals in exchange for support. The harsh words come from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who responded to the American president's remarks, writes Reuters.

The German leader believes that the metals should instead be used to help Ukraine's reconstruction after the war.