Zelensky: "Will Continue Peace Talks... Working-Level Talks Without Putin Have Limits"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stated that he will continue peace negotiations despite Russia's 'mass killing' of civilians.

In an interview with AP News on the 9th (local time), President Zelensky said, "So far, negotiations have been limited to working-level delegations excluding Russian President Vladimir Putin, so the possibility of a swift resolution must be viewed as 'realistically' low."

When asked whether the volume of Western weapons support is sufficient to turn the tide, he replied in English, "(Western weapons support) is certainly not sufficient," and added that European support has increased and the arrival of American weapons has sped up.

He compared the battle to defend Mariupol to the "heart of the war," stating, "This heart is beating. We are fighting and we are strong." He also said, "If that heart stops (if Mariupol is lost), we will be in a weaker position."

When asked if more lives could have been saved if the delivery and support of weapons had been faster, he answered after deep thought, "We usually look for answers from others, but I often find answers within myself." He then questioned, "Have we made enough effort to obtain weapons? Have we made enough effort to make (Western) leaders trust us?"

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