Zelensky says ready to meet with Putin even without ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he is ready to meet with leaders, including Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, even if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire before high-level negotiations.

The head of state said this at a briefing on Wednesday, June 4, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"I believe that if there is no position on a ceasefire, sanctions must be introduced. Overall, I believe sanctions are needed if Russia doesn't want to end the war. But again, the American side says: wait, that's too much, we need to find a compromise. And we, regardless of our stance, say — okay," Zelensky said.

He added that he is ready to meet with Putin even if Russia does not accept his proposal to cease fire ahead of the talks, but emphasized that if Russia shows no intention of ending the war after such negotiations, serious sanctions would be necessary.

"Are we ready to meet at the level of leaders without a ceasefire? I'll say 'yes'," Zelensky.

Earlier today, Zelensky proposed that Russia agree to a ceasefire ahead of a summit aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine.