Zelensky outlines a new approach for potential peace talks with Russia

If peace talks were to begin between Kyiv and Moscow, Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin would not be sitting at the table. The President of Ukraine revealed how he envisions potential negotiations with the invader. This model has already been used in other circumstances.

Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a possible negotiation scenario in an interview with the American newspaper "The Philadelphia Inquirer." He recalled how the agreement on the grain corridor was reached.

The talks then were conducted not directly between the interested parties but through intermediaries. The conditions for unblocking the transport of Ukrainian goods and clearing the route through the Black Sea were established, although a direct dialogue between Putin and Zelensky was not possible.

“Ukraine can find a model in which solutions can be found according to relevant documents, steps, and modalities. Such a model was first applied on the example of the grain corridor, when Ukraine negotiated not with the blocking hand of Russia, but we negotiated with the UN and Turkey. They, in turn, took the responsibility to negotiate with us in a trilateral agreement and then sign the corresponding agreement with the Russian side. Yes, it worked, two mirror agreements between the UN and Turkey, and a separate agreement with Russia,” recalled Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview for "The Philadelphia Inquirer."

Although Russia continuously broke and repudiated the agreement, it allowed Kyiv to establish a strong position on the Odesa route. The transport returned to its pre-war state.

Zelensky also mentioned that this way of dealing with Russia could be applied to territorial integrity, energy, and ship movement talks. The Ukrainian president still does not see any other method of dealing with Moscow.

Zelensky also assessed the situation during the same conversation with the American newspaper. “First of all, manpower. They have much more people, and really, we are taking care of our people more,” he said.

He added that today, one Ukrainian citizen dies for every six Russians. Previously, this statistic was at a ratio of 1 to 4, but after clashes in the Kharkiv direction and around Pokrovske in the Donetsk region, Russian losses are more significant.

Zelensky also mentioned that he believes the West should prevent Russians from circumventing sanctions to stop them from producing missiles and drones. At the same time, Europe and the USA could also support Ukraine in producing such weapons independently.

“The biggest [current] issue is with glide bombs,” said Zelensky. “So you need to search for long-range solutions against their aerodromes where their military aircraft land, which Russia uses to launch glide bombs and missiles.” He added that if President Joe Biden allowed Kyiv to use American long-range missiles, such as ATACMS, to strike Russian airfields, these attacks could be stopped.

Zelensky specified what victory over the Russian aggressor would mean for him. He expects "not to allow the full destruction of everything Ukrainian" by Putin.

The President mentioned that Russia's policies and intentions towards Kyiv are evident in the occupied territories. Moscow eliminates the use of the Ukrainian language, combats the Ukrainian Church, and teaching of Ukrainian history. Children are taught that Ukraine was never a rightful state.