Zelenskyy Questions Putin’s Peace Overtures Ahead of US Midterms

(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expressed willingness to negotiate peace might be a “political trick” intended to prevent tensions with Washington from worsening before the US midterm elections.

Speaking in an interview, Zelenskyy said Russia’s true intentions would be revealed through its actions and willingness to reach agreements. He added that planned trilateral negotiations in November would help determine whether Putin’s position was genuine or a “trick.”

Zelenskyy said Ukraine was prepared to participate in November discussions involving technical teams from the three sides, but emphasized that the negotiations must deliver tangible outcomes.

If a comprehensive settlement proves unattainable during the upcoming talks, he said he had proposed several alternative measures, including a ceasefire covering energy infrastructure, arrangements for maritime security and grain exports, an exchange of all prisoners held by both sides, or a meeting involving the leaders of Ukraine, the United States and Russia.

“Energy, grain, people -- these are concrete things, while a meeting at the level of leaders is an opportunity to have something concrete after our trilateral. This is what we are asking for and proposing,” he said.

Regarding territorial disputes, Zelenskyy insisted that the issue could only be addressed directly by the countries’ leaders, calling it a “red line.” He also ruled out accepting limits on Ukraine’s armed forces or any condition requiring the country to adopt a neutral status.

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