Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the European Political Community Summit being held in Tirana, directly accused his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, of lacking the will and courage to engage in peace talks, reports Rks News..
Zelensky stated that Moscow is deliberately avoiding real opportunities for a fair and lasting resolution to the conflict.
“This week we could have taken some important steps to end the war, if Putin hadn’t been afraid to come to Turkey,” the Ukrainian president declared.
He emphasized that he was ready for a direct meeting with Putin in either Ankara or Istanbul, but the Russian side rejected every attempt at real dialogue.
“It was obvious that Putin sent a low-level delegation with no authority to make decisions. Our priority is a full and unconditional ceasefire. The killings must stop. If Russia does not agree today in Istanbul, then it’s 100% clear that Putin continues to undermine diplomacy,” Zelensky concluded.
