Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged today that high-level talks held yesterday in London between Ukrainian and Western officials were “not easy,” but emphasized they were “constructive.”
Speaking at a joint press conference in South Africa alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zelensky stated:
“I’m sure Russia was counting on a major scandal yesterday.”
The Ukrainian leader also expressed skepticism about the level of pressure being exerted on Russia by the United States in the current diplomatic push for peace. He noted that Kyiv is engaging in efforts proposed by its allies but stressed that Ukraine cannot disregard its Constitution.
“It is already a significant compromise on Kyiv’s part to agree to negotiate with Russia once a ceasefire is declared,” Zelensky said, suggesting that Ukraine has shown good faith despite ongoing hostilities.
He revealed that a new document containing proposals emerging from the London talks has now been submitted to U.S. President Donald Trump.
“After the proposal from the U.S., other documents appeared, and I believe today, this format, this document, is on President Trump’s desk,” Zelensky noted.
He made it clear, however, that any agreement must align with Ukraine’s core principles: “Anything that contradicts our values or our Constitution cannot be included in any agreement.”
Photo: EPA/Kim Ludbrook / Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
