Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to join the anticipated meeting between US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest, NBC News reported.
To the journalist's question "Are you ready to participate in the summit?" Zelenskyy responded:
"I'm ready. I said this to the US President during our meeting at the White House. I am ready to participate in any format."
He emphasized that without Ukraine, no real peace agreement would be possible.
"Both sides are necessary for a just and lasting peace. How can there be an agreement without us?" Zelenskyy said.
The President was also asked whether it would be possible to give up part of the territory of Ukraine to stop the war with Russia. Zelenskyy's response was decisive:
"If we want to stop the war immediately, we must stay where we are. Putin will not be given any extra privileges or territory."
During the conversation, the Ukrainian leader also touched upon the situation at the front. According to him, Ukraine is not losing the war, but Russia is also not winning. For this reason, Moscow has intensified airstrikes against civilians in recent weeks.
"Putin wants to create an energy crisis in Ukraine during the winter season. That's why he is intensifying airstrikes," Zelenskyy said.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that Washington supports Zelenskyy's participation in the Budapest meeting.
On October 17, Trump met with Zelenskyy in Washington. The US President stated that the Ukrainian leader may not be attending the summit, but they are "in constant contact."
Thus, diplomatic activity between Kyiv and Washington is intensifying - Zelenskyy's readiness for peace negotiations is being assessed as an important step towards a political settlement of the conflict.
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