Foto: BB.LV / Владимир Зеленский
Ukraine will not agree to reduce the size of its armed forces or to relinquish its right to independently choose its foreign policy course in exchange for a peace agreement. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky, outlining Kyiv's fundamental positions in potential negotiations with Russia and the United States. According to the LETA agency citing the BBC, Zelensky made the corresponding statement in an interview with the Ukrainian television channel "1+1." According to the Ukrainian president, the issue of the country's neutral status cannot be a subject of negotiations. "The main aspects here are that we cannot talk about the neutrality of our state. And we should not do this, as our vision fundamentally aligns with the American one — we cannot discuss limiting the Ukrainian army," Zelensky stated. He emphasized that Ukraine must independently determine its defense policy, and guarantees of its security cannot be formed under Russia's dictation. Thus, Kyiv excludes the possibility of an agreement that would involve limiting the number of Ukrainian servicemen or enshrining the state's neutral status. "Limiting our army and Ukraine's neutrality are not up for discussion. The territorial issue is a red line that can only be discussed at the leaders' level," the president emphasized. At the same time, Zelensky did not rule out discussing territorial issues as such, but pointed out that such decisions cannot be made at a lower level of negotiations. Separately, the president of Ukraine named actions that could indicate Russia's genuine readiness for a peaceful settlement. One such step, in his opinion, could be an agreement to cease strikes on energy infrastructure. "Concluding an energy truce as the first step [towards peace from Russia]. I believe this is a signal," Zelensky said. Another indication of Moscow's readiness for negotiations could be an agreement on a trilateral meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian side is ready to participate in such a summit. He recalled that the American side had previously signaled the possibility of holding a meeting in December, including in connection with the G20 summit in Miami, Florida. Kyiv, the Ukrainian president claims, has already communicated its readiness through various channels. "I believe it can take place. You remember that the Americans sent signals regarding December, regarding the G20 summit in Miami, Florida. They received our response through various channels — both public and non-public. We are ready if the Russians are ready," Zelensky stated. Thus, Ukraine allows for the resumption of negotiations at the highest level, but insists on maintaining its fundamental positions on security and defense issues. Meanwhile, Moscow is also stating the possibility of returning to the negotiation process. Russian President Vladimir Putin's assistant for foreign policy issues, Yuri Ushakov, previously stated that the Russian side is ready to resume contacts with Ukraine and the United States after November 4, when Russia celebrates National Unity Day. At the same time, Ushakov warned that immediate agreements should not be expected from the first meeting. "A lot will not be resolved at the first meeting either; it will likely be more of an introductory nature," the Interfax agency quotes him as saying. A specific date for possible negotiations has not yet been announced, nor has their final format. At this time, Kyiv and Moscow publicly declare their readiness for contacts, but questions about the agenda for future negotiations and the conditions for a possible peace agreement remain open.
