Zelensky names topics of possible conversation with Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that in a possible conversation with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, he would discuss territorial issues and the reasons for Russia's war against Ukraine.

Zelensky said this in an interview with Fox News, Ukrinform reports.

"I think this is important. I think [I would discuss] the question of territories, the questions of reasons for this war, why he [Putin] occupied us. I think it would be useful to speak. Not because I want to – I don't want to speak with him, he is an enemy for me. But I think it is important to speak only for one thing: we have to understand – we don't want a third war from Russia," Zelensky said.

He stressed that he does not trust Putin, and that the Kremlin leader does not trust him either.

"My feeling is that his goal was the occupation of all of our territory, all of our country. And I really want to hear and see that he will not come again," Zelensky said.

He also noted that the number of Russian troops is declining, whereas it had been increasing until this year.

"They were mobilizing 43,000 people every month, signing contracts. But this year, for the first time, the number of mobilized people and the number of losses [became] the same. So for the first time this year, the size of their army has stopped increasing. That is why we think that in 2026, God willing, we will stop the war. Otherwise, Putin will decide to mobilize people," Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine and Russia are now at a stage where the United States can more quickly steer the situation toward peace.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine