Zelensky, "Peace talks are positive but Russian attacks do not stop"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky evaluated the 5th round of peace talks with Russia positively but stated that Russian attacks have not ceased, and he will not let his guard down. While Russian forces are assessed to have reduced attacks in Kyiv and the northern areas, airstrikes continue in the southern region where offensives are concentrated.

On the 29th (local time), according to AFP and others, President Zelensky said in a video address after the conclusion of the 5th round of talks, "The signals coming from the negotiations can be described as positive," but warned, "However, the presence of these signals does not mean explosions or Russian attacks have disappeared. There is no reason to trust the representatives from a country that continues to fight to destroy us."

He continued, "One should not think that the peace talks will influence the lifting of Russia's sanctions," emphasizing, "The issue of sanctions cannot be resolved until the war ends, we reclaim what is ours, and justice is restored. On the contrary, the level of sanctions should be strengthened." He reiterated, "Ukraine supports the talks and will continue the negotiation process within the necessary scope, but Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be guaranteed."

Earlier that day, delegations from Ukraine and Russia held the 5th round of peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey. The negotiations, which lasted four hours, are considered to have achieved some progress. Ukraine proposed accepting Russia's suggestion of neutrality if security guarantees are secured and suggested discussing the status of the Crimean Peninsula with Russia over the next 15 years. The Russian side promised to pursue a summit between President Vladimir Putin and President Zelensky and to reduce military activities around Kyiv and Chernihiv.

However, a comprehensive ceasefire agreement between the two sides was not reached, and bombings continued in the southern region where Russian offensives are concentrated. On the same day, in Mykolaiv, the gateway to Odesa, Ukraine's largest port city, 12 people were reported dead and 33 injured due to Russian bombardment.

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