This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that it is Kyiv, not Russia, that is showing initiative in negotiations to end the war. He made this statement during a joint press conference with the President of the Czech Republic, responding to questions regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments, who accused Ukraine of “delaying the peace agreement.”
Zelensky on Initiative in Negotiations and Security Guarantees
“I believe that Ukraine is the one taking the initiative in the negotiations. I think we are quicker than Russia in this regard. I believe we have worked very well with the American side. We simply find ourselves on different sides on certain issues. It is clear, I am defending the interests of our state. And ultimatums, in my opinion, are not a working model in democratic relations between countries,” said Zelensky.
Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that for Ukraine, a fundamental issue is the guarantees that the war will not resume after a change in the political situation in the United States, particularly after Trump’s term ends. He noted that security guarantees must meet the expectations of Ukrainians, who, according to him, “understand security guarantees much better than most defense ministers in the world.”
The president emphasized that after the war ends, Ukraine will need support for the rapid recovery of the state, as well as to maintain a powerful armed forces, which is a key factor in national security.
Discussion on Prisoner Exchanges and Positions of the U.S. and European Allies
Zelensky cited the example of an unfulfilled agreement regarding a prisoner exchange of “1000 for 1000,” which, according to him, was reached at the end of last year. However, the exchange never took place. The president stated that the responsibility for the delay lies with Russia and emphasized that it is Russia that holds Ukrainians captive.
Zelensky also added that the issue of ending the war interests both sides – Ukraine and the United States. However, he stressed that it is Russia that is delaying the signing of the peace agreement and the cessation of hostilities. In his opinion, to achieve peace, pressure on Moscow must be increased to compel it to make constructive decisions.
In turn, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk disagreed with Trump’s remarks that Ukraine is hindering the peace agreement. Tusk emphasized that “it is Russia that rejects the peace plan prepared by the U.S., not Zelensky. The only response from Russia has been further missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.”
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, stated that “Putin and the Russian side remain open” to negotiations, effectively supporting the rhetoric of the U.S. president.
At the same time, Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of meeting with Zelensky at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, which will take place next week.