Zelenskyy answered whether Ukraine can start peace negotiations without the complete withdrawal of Russian troops

Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo from open sources

Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia within the framework of the second peace summit can begin, even if by then the Russian troops do not withdraw their troops from the entire Ukrainian territory.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said this in an interview with French media.

The head of state was asked whether the conditions for Ukraine's negotiations with Russia have changed, in particular, whether the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory remains a mandatory condition.

«This does not mean that at this moment (the beginning of negotiations within the framework of the second peace summit, — note ) we will be at the borders of 1991. This is me answering your question. No, it doesn't mean,» Zelenskyy answered.

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He added that the full restoration of territorial integrity before the start of negotiations is a fair scenario, but not necessarily achievable through military action alone.

According to the president, Ukraine, together with most countries of the world, plans to develop a peace plan. After that, such issues can be resolved diplomatically.

French journalists then once again asked Zelenskyy whether his statement means that the complete withdrawal of Russian troops is not a prerequisite for the start of negotiations.

«It is desirable for the whole world to stop Putin, so that borders are a condition. This is desirable for the whole world,» he replied.

We will remind you that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that not all territories occupied by Russia can be recaptured by force, sometimes only diplomacy and international influence are needed for this.