Zelensky names three most realistic venues for talks with Russia

Zelensky names three most realistic venues for talks with Russia

Ukrinform
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has named Türkiye, the Vatican, and Switzerland as the most realistic venues for the next round of negotiations with Russia, rejecting Belarus as a location—an option that Russia is trying to offer.

Speaking with journalists, Zelensky stated, "I believe the three most realistic sites are Türkiye, the Vatican, and Switzerland. They are clear and neutral. We are ready for any format."

He also mentioned his upcoming meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who had recently held discussions in Moscow.

"The Turkish side is aware that we are considering several venues. We have already conducted preparatory work regarding the Vatican and Switzerland. In principle, everyone supports the Vatican, though it seems Russia does not, based on what we see in the media space. I also want to thank Giorgia Meloni and the Pope, as both have expressed their willingness for further meetings. Switzerland is also highly interested, and we have no objections. We support of the," the President emphasized.

Read also: Zelensky comments on forecasts of 1,000 Russian drones per day

Meanwhile, according to Zelenskyy, Moscow continues to push for negotiations in Belarus.

"The Russians have signaled Belarus as a venue across multiple channels. How can I describe this? If they are unwilling to negotiate seriously, they should simply state that they are not ready or do not want to end the war. For us, Belarus remains the country from which missiles were launched against Ukraine—an ally of the aggressor. Russian troops also entered from Belarus. Holding talks there is simply impossible," Zelensky emphasized.

As Ukrinform previously reported, U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg stated in a May 27 interview with Fox News that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could take place in Geneva.

On May 16, delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and Turkey held trilateral talks at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul. A key outcome of the discussions was an agreement to proceed with a prisoner exchange under the “1,000 for 1,000” format.

Photo: President’s Office

While citing and using any materials on the Internet, links to the website ukrinform.net not lower than the first paragraph are mandatory. In addition, citing the translated materials of foreign media outlets is possible only if there is a link to the website ukrinform.net and the website of a foreign media outlet. Materials marked as "Advertisement" or with a disclaimer reading "The material has been posted in accordance with Part 3 of Article 9 of the Law of Ukraine "On Advertising" No. 270/96-VR of July 3, 1996 and the Law of Ukraine "On the Media" No. 2849-Х of March 31, 2023 and on the basis of an agreement/invoice.

Online media entity; Media identifier - R40-01421.

© 2015-2025 Ukrinform. All rights reserved.

Extended searchHide extended search
By period:
-