Zelenskyy: Give us a two-month ceasefire

In his speech at the Munich Security Conference held in Germany, Zelenskyy made statements regarding the possibility of holding presidential elections in his country if a ceasefire is reached with Russia. Explaining that the preparation process for voting would take a long time and that the safety of citizens must be guaranteed, Zelenskyy said, "I have said this many times. I said that if the American side insists, I am ready to show that we are ready for this. I will be very honest, give us a two-month ceasefire, and we will go to elections. Give us a ceasefire, provide security, provide infrastructure. It will take many days, maybe not two months, for us to prepare. Then give our soldiers the opportunity to vote."

"If the Americans and Russians need elections in Ukraine, we are open to it"

Zelenskyy drew attention to the role of the US in contacts aimed at achieving a ceasefire between the parties, potential talks that could be held with Russia, and the legal steps that could allow voting during the war. The Ukrainian leader said, "Give us a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump can do this. Put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, ensure a ceasefire, then our parliament can change the law and we can go to elections if necessary. If the Americans and Russians need elections in Ukraine, we are open to it." Zelenskyy added, "If the Russians hold elections, we will declare a ceasefire."

Trilateral meeting to be held in Geneva

Zelenskyy made statements regarding the meetings expected to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, next week between Russian, Ukrainian, and US delegations under the leadership of the US. The Ukrainian leader said, "We really hope that next week's trilateral meetings will be serious, concrete, and useful for all of us. But to be honest, sometimes it feels like the parties are talking about completely different topics."

"Concessions are being discussed in the context of Ukraine"

Zelenskyy also addressed US President Donald Trump's statement yesterday at the White House that "Zelenskyy needs to act, otherwise he will miss a great opportunity," saying that he "felt some pressure" from Washington. Evaluating the negotiation process with Russia, Zelenskyy stated that the American side frequently brings up the topic of concessions in the talks, saying, "This issue is usually discussed in the context of Ukraine rather than Russia."

On the other hand, Zelenskyy stated that he hopes the US will continue its active role in the negotiations. Expressing that Europe has been left out of the contacts recently, Zelenskyy said he expects an opportunity to arise for European countries to take on a stronger and more decisive role in the negotiations in the coming period.

Russia and Ukraine had met in the UAE

Ukraine and Russia recently held two rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the mediation of the US. It was assessed that no concrete progress was made in the contacts, which were described as constructive by the parties.

News Source: 12punto