Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to launch urgent peace talks with Russia, provided that all sides kept the current line intact and immediately ceased fire.
The statement was made in an interview with an American news agency on October 19, showing the first sign of diplomatic transfer after months of tense conflict.
The Ukrainian leader affirmed that he supported US President Donald Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire but denied having to cede more territory to Russia. If we want to end this conflict and reach peace talks, urgently and through diplomacy, we need to maintain our current position, on the current front line, he said.
Mr Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is ready to participate in negotiations in any form, bilaterally or tripartite, as long as the conflict is completely ended.
No negotiations under missiles or drones, he said, referring to the ongoing UAV and artillery strikes.
When asked about his ability to attend the upcoming Russia-US summit in Budapest, Hungary, Mr. Zelensky said: "I am ready". However, he also admitted that President Trump has not yet agreed to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles to Kiev. The weapon has been repeatedly suggested by Ukraine to the US in response to Russian attacks, while Moscow has warned of the consequences if Washington provides this long-range missile.
On the same day, President Trump called on both sides to "freeze" the current frontline in the Donbass region, where Russia controls much of its territory, October 19. This move is considered an important step towards restoring peace dialogue between Kiev and Moscow, although the prospect of reaching a comprehensive agreement is still far away.
