White House: "Only Zelensky Can Decide on Peace Talks with Russia"

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, is delivering a video speech at the 74th Frankfurt International Book Fair held in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on October 20 (local time). / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Noh Kyung-jo] The White House stated on the 18th (local time) that only Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, can decide whether Ukraine will engage in peace negotiations with Russia.

According to AFP, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), told reporters that the speculation that the U.S. is pressuring Ukraine to enter peace talks is not true.

He explained, "We all agree that the next best thing after (Vladimir) Putin simply withdrawing troops is a diplomatic agreement through negotiations," adding, "We have also said that whether Zelensky is ready to negotiate, what those negotiations might be, and when (if and when) they occur is a matter for Zelensky to decide."

He continued, "There will be no discussion on how to end the war between Russia and Ukraine unless Ukraine participates in that dialogue," and "The reason such talks are not happening is because President Zelensky has clearly stated he is not ready for them." He also noted that since Russia has expressed it is not ready for talks either, the fault does not lie with Zelensky.

Kirby’s remarks are interpreted as an attempt to quell the controversy following the press conference remarks by U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley two days earlier on the 16th.

Chairman Milley mentioned the possibility of negotiations to end the war under favorable conditions for Ukraine, given the recent consecutive victories of the Ukrainian forces on the battlefield and the significant weakening of Russian forces. He said the chances of the Ukrainian military quickly reclaiming all territories occupied by Russia, including the Crimean Peninsula, are slim.

This led to speculation that the U.S. might be urging Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire or peace talks.

President Zelensky has expressed a negative stance on a ceasefire or peace negotiations under the current circumstances. On the 18th, he said that a short ceasefire with Russia would worsen the situation. However, this statement was part of a pre-recorded speech released at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada, and the exact recording date is unclear.

In his speech, Zelensky said, "Russia is now hoping for a short-term ceasefire, which is just a break to recover its strength," adding, "Some may call this the end of the war, but such a break will only worsen the situation." He further stated, "A truly realistic, long-term, and proper peace is only possible as a result of thoroughly crushing Russia’s aggression."

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