The European Commission welcomed the open letter from President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin calling for direct negotiations, noting that this is another confirmation of Ukraine's desire for genuine negotiations and a ceasefire. This was stated by European Commission spokesperson for foreign affairs Anitta Hipper during a briefing, UNN reports.
Details
"We have indeed taken note of President Zelenskyy's letter, and it is another call for Russia to stop its illegal war of aggression. And on Ukraine's part, as always, it is another confirmation of Ukraine's desire for genuine negotiations and an unconditional ceasefire—an unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine agreed to a long time ago. So, for our part, we welcome President Zelenskyy's call for direct negotiations. As well as the call for a ceasefire," Hipper said.
She added that Putin expected to capture Kyiv in just 3 days, but now the fifth year of Russia's illegal aggression is underway.
"Furthermore, if you look at what Russia has managed to achieve, it is not very much. They have occupied slightly less than 1% of Ukraine's territory, and now Ukraine is reclaiming these territories. So the reality on the ground sharply contradicts what Putin says. Thus, Moscow has suffered a defeat by all measures. That is why we must remain strong for the sake of Ukraine," Hipper added.
Responding to a question regarding reports that the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are preparing to lead an initiative that could involve Russia in direct negotiations to find a settlement to the war, Hipper stated that the European Commission "supports peace in all formats."
"However, at this time we will not delve into who should be a mediator and who should not. We are focusing on our position, our demands, and requests. Just recently, the High Representative discussed this during an informal Gymnich meeting in Cyprus," the spokesperson noted.
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote an open letter to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, proposing to schedule a meeting and set a date.
The Office of the President also confirmed that they received a response to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's letter to American leader Donald Trump and Congress; details are not being disclosed at this time.