Zelensky reverses hardline position on peace talks
Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has said that Kiev is ready to engage in peace negotiations with Russia, to be brokered by US President Donald Trump. The statement comes after the White House reportedly stopped all military aid to Kiev following a disastrous meeting in the Oval Office between the two leaders, for which US officials have demanded Zelensky apologize.
Zelensky made a concession-filled post on X on Tuesday, saying his public feud with Trump in the Oval Office was 'regrettable.'
'We are ready to work fast to end the war,' Zelensky wrote. He has frequently said in the past that Ukraine would fight as long as necessary and that peace talks could only happen on Ukraine's terms.
He proposed the release of prisoners and establishing 'truces' on both the air and sea fronts, echoing suggestions by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron in a meeting with him in London on Sunday. The French-UK plan envisages a temporary, month-long 'truce in the air, on the seas, and on energy infrastructure.' Moscow has repeatedly ruled out a temporary ceasefire with Kiev, insisting on a permanent, legally binding peace deal that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
On Monday, Trump reportedly ordered a temporary halt to all US military aid to Ukraine, aiming to pressure Zelensky into negotiations to end the conflict with Russia. An unnamed senior administration official told Fox News that military assistance would stay suspended until the Ukrainian leadership demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace talks.
'Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer,' Zelensky continued on X, offering his appreciation for Washington's support. 'My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump's strong leadership to get a peace that lasts,' he added.
''Ready' is good, it is positive,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted to the statement.
During the Friday meeting, Trump accused Zelensky of ingratitude and 'gambling with World War III' by refusing to work towards a halt to hostilities.
On Sunday, Zelensky told reporters that 'an agreement to end the war is still very, very far away, and no one has started all these steps yet.' Trump condemned his statement on social media, promising that 'America will not put up with it for much longer.'
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