President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the most realistic venues for holding the next round of negotiations with Russia are Turkey, the Vatican, and Switzerland. Russia is trying to propose Belarus, which is unacceptable.
The head of state said this during a conversation with journalists.
"I think the three most realistic venues are Turkey, the Vatican, and Switzerland. Because they are absolutely clear. We are ready for any format," Zelensky said.
He noted that in a few days he will meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who recently held talks in Moscow.
"The Turkish side knows that we are discussing several venues. And that we have done preparatory work regarding the Vatican and Switzerland. The Vatican, basically, everyone supports. It seems to me the ‘ruskies’ do not support it. And from what we see in the media space. Also, thanks to Giorgia Meloni and the Pope. Everyone has sent signals about readiness for the next meetings. And Switzerland — the Swiss side really wants it, we don’t mind. Again, we all support it," the President noted.
According to him, meanwhile, proposals are coming from Moscow to hold negotiations in Belarus.
"The ‘Russians’ sent signals about Belarus for this whole spectrum. How can I put it, what does it resemble? If they don’t want it, I think people should say: we are not ready now. Or we do not want to end the war. Because it’s not serious. Belarus for us today is a country from which rockets were launched, and accordingly it is an ally of the country that attacked us. And troops entered from Belarus. It’s simply impossible regarding Belarus," Zelensky emphasized.
