Zelenskyy urges global leaders: Avoid dialogue with Putin at all costs
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on world leaders to refrain from engaging with Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that such dialogue could have undesirable consequences.
In an interview with Sky News, Zelenskyy urged global leaders to avoid contact with Putin, cautioning that any interaction might lead to negative outcomes, Caliber.Az reports.
"Do not open Pandora's box," he warned. "If you open it, other leaders will start talking to him just for the sake of getting into the headlines. They’ll claim they can handle him, but it’s not that simple."
According to Zelenskyy, some world leaders are only interested in speaking with Putin to increase their own visibility, rather than seeking solutions to the ongoing crisis.
On the topic of NATO, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine has not yet been offered membership, but he suggested that if NATO were to extend an invitation to the areas of Ukraine currently under Kyiv's control, it could help end the "hot phase" of the war. However, this would require NATO to recognize Ukraine's internationally recognized borders, including Crimea and the eastern regions occupied by Russia.
Zelenskyy also pointed out that President Putin believes Ukraine is part of Russia and that convincing him otherwise is unlikely.
In a significant development, Zelenskyy expressed openness to engaging in talks with the Russian leader, though he emphasized the importance of diplomatic routes for peace.
Zelenskyy also proposed halting the active combat phase and placing Ukraine's territory under Kyiv’s control "under NATO’s umbrella." He stressed that this should be done swiftly, with the goal of recovering lost territories through diplomacy. Should this plan come to fruition, Ukraine would join NATO, and the alliance would extend an invitation to the occupied territories as well.
"We will do everything to end this war," said Zelenskyy. "We have all the opportunities to finish it next year. We can do this, but only together with Europe, the US, and, of course, Ukraine."
He also mentioned that future US President Donald Trump could exert considerable pressure on Russia by strengthening Ukraine. Zelenskyy reiterated that ending the war would require diplomatic efforts.
"This can happen quickly, but it all depends on the will of those who are determined to make it happen," he said. "It's clear that it's not easy, and it won't happen overnight. But it could happen next year. I believe that, but it depends on the decisions and will of other leaders."
Earlier, Zelenskyy had indicated that Ukraine should aim to end the war through diplomatic means by 2025, while ensuring that any resolution does not come at the cost of losing 30% of its territory.
By Tamilla Hasanova