Ukrainian President "I Want to Meet Putin... Security Guarantees Needed"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a meeting to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is interpreted as a hope for security guarantees through a summit with Russia amid rising concerns over a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 19th (local time), President Zelensky said on the second day of the Munich Security Conference held in Munich, Germany, "I do not know what the Russian president wants, so I propose that we meet," adding, "Russia can choose the venue for the talks." He emphasized, "Ukraine will continue to pursue only diplomatic means for a peaceful resolution."

Addressing the West, including the United States, President Zelensky criticized, "This is not the time for hesitation. If you are convinced that a Russian invasion of Ukraine is imminent, now is the time to act," and added, "We need security guarantees. You say the war is about to start, so what are you waiting for? Once the bombing begins, your sanctions will no longer be necessary."

The meeting was held amid ongoing concerns about the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia claims it has no intention to invade Ukraine and is withdrawing troops deployed near the border, but the United States argues that Russian troops near the border have increased and an invasion could happen at any time.

In particular, U.S. President Joe Biden, expressing concerns about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine the previous day, stated that he has evidence that President Putin has decided to invade, further escalating military tensions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.