The Whole World Wants to See Russia at Second Peace Summit, Says Zelenskyy

On July 31, in an interview with the French media, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Russia’s involvement in global forums aimed at ending the ongoing war.

“I believe — as do most countries — that Russian representatives must be present at the second peace summit in November, otherwise we will not achieve viable results. I do not want them to interfere with us preparing a joint plan. If everyone wants them to sit at the table for negotiations, then we cannot oppose it,” Zelenskyy stated.

When asked whether Ukraine’s conditions for opening negotiations with Russia had changed, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that the prerequisite remains the withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukrainian territories, including the occupied Donbas and Crimea, but doesn’t aim to do this solely through military means.

“A just peace for Ukraine must allow us to restore our territorial integrity, but this does not mean that we should achieve this exclusively by force of arms. It is desirable that the whole world stops Putin, so that borders become a precondition. Today, we are on the front line as long as Russia wants to wage war. And then we can resolve these issues diplomatically, if Russia so desires.”

Zelenskyy also discussed the potential consequences if Ukraine were to agree to cede part of its territory to Russia in exchange for a ceasefire: “I will tell you frankly that this is not the best option, because we are dealing with Putin, and for him, obviously, it will be a victory if he gets part of our territory back. But even later, if the conflict is frozen, he can come back and do it. That is why this issue is very, very difficult.”

Zelenskyy also expressed his reluctance for China to act as a mediator in the peace efforts. Instead, he urged China to exert pressure on Russia to cease its military aggression against Ukraine.

“If China wishes, it has the power to compel Russia to stop this war. China is an integral part of the global community and a significant power. I would prefer they not serve as a mediator but rather apply pressure on Russia,” he stated.

The Ukrainian president addressed the situation in Eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have made advances. He noted that the Ukrainian army is still awaiting arms deliveries from abroad, and Western allies have imposed restrictions on their use.

“We no longer hide that we were preparing 14 brigades. Do you think it is possible to stop the Russians if only three of the 14 are equipped?” Zelenskyy remarked.

Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine is working diligently to obtain permission to strike targets in Russia with Western-supplied weapons.

“Unfortunately, our partners are still hesitant about this,” he acknowledged. “But they must understand that we live and fight. And if they cannot find a way to help us, we will be able to find other solutions to protect the population.”