Kiev [Ukraine], February 20: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects negotiations with Russia on ending the war to continue in Switzerland.
Because the war is raging in Europe, the talks must also take place there, Zelensky said in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan published on Thursday.
"I just want to underline that the next meeting will also be in Switzerland," Zelensky said after negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Russia has not yet confirmed a location or date. Zelensky had criticized the results of the talks in Geneva, mediated by the United States, as insufficient and called for them to continue this month.
Zelensky also said that Ukraine values the United Arab Emirates as a partner. Talks initially took place in Abu Dhabi in January and early February. However, in the interview statements published on his Telegram channel, he made it clear that he wants the Europeans at the next round talks.
Zelensky spoke of "difficult discussions" about the role of the Europeans. "For us, the role of [the] Europeans is significant," he asserted.
Russia sees the Europeans as a warring party and is therefore opposed to their participation in the negotiations. Zelensky, on the other hand, said: "But again and again, I am underlining that I think we also need European representatives." Zelensky reiterated that although he does not trust Russian President Vladimir Putin, he wants to meet with him to bring the war to a swift end.
Militarily, the issue of monitoring a possible future ceasefire was also clarified during the negotiations. The US played a leading role in checking the situation, Zelensky reiterated. He did not provide any details.
Zelensky once again accused the Russians of dragging out the negotiations with excessive talk about the history of both countries.
"We don't need to lose time on all these historical issues," Zelensky assert. "With all respect to history, I don't want to lose time on all these issues. We need, just now ... to finish this war." He also spoke of a Russian "delaying tactic."
Zelensky added: "I have read no fewer historical books than Putin, I'm sure, and I've learned a lot - because we have to know everything about this country. And I know about his country more than he knows about Ukraine."
Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion for almost four years with Western help. Ahead of the anniversary on February 24, there is no end in sight to the fighting.
Next week, the war will enter its fifth year.
Source: Qatar Tribune
