Zelensky says Russia doing ‘everything’ to stop his meeting with Putin
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) has called repeatedly for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Zelensky stated Russia is hindering a potential meeting between him and Putin, urging allies to pressure Russia for peace talks.
- Security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO's Article 5, were discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
- Zelensky seeks increased pressure and further sanctions on Russia if it does not show interest in peace negotiations.
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KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug 22 Russia was doing everything it could to stop a meeting between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin from taking place, and urged Ukraine’s allies to put fresh sanctions on Moscow if it shows no interest in peace.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Kyiv, Mr Zelensky said they had discussed security guarantees for Ukraine by other states.
He said the guarantees ought to be similar to Nato’s Article Five, which considers an attack on one member of the alliance as an attack against all.
“This is the beginning of a big undertaking, and it is not easy, because guarantees consist of what our partners can give Ukraine, as well as what the Ukrainian army should be like, and where we can find opportunities for the army to maintain its strength,” Mr Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader also called on his country’s allies to pressure Russia into “at least a minimally productive position”.
Mr Zelensky has called repeatedly for Mr Putin to meet him, and US President Donald Trump said the Russian President had agreed to such a meeting on a call with him during a visit to Washington by European leaders.
“The Russians are doing everything they can to prevent the meeting from taking place,” Mr Zelensky said on Aug 22.
“Unlike Russia, Ukraine is not afraid of any meeting with leaders.” REUTERS
