Ukraine is prepared to accept neutral, non-nuclear status -Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that Ukraine is prepared to adopt a neutral status as part of a peace pact with Russia.
Speaking in an interview with Russian independent journalists, Zelensky said :”Security guarantees and the neutral, non-nuclear status of our state. We are ready to accept this. This is the most important point”
“This was the first point of principle for the Russian Federation, as I recall. And as far as I remember, they started the war because of this.” He added.
Any pact would have to be put to the Ukrainian people in a referendum, he stated.
However, Zelensky once again emphasized his intention to achieve a concrete peace agreement.
“So this clause is a security guarantee clause for Ukraine. And since they say it’s for them [security guarantees] as well, it’s understandable to me, and it’s being discussed. It’s in-depth, but I’m interested in making sure it’s not just another piece of paper.” Zelensky added.
“So we’re interested in having that paper turned into a serious treaty to be signed.”
“The issues of Donbas and Crimea must be discussed and solved” in peace talks. He said.
Zelensky’s remarks come as the Turkish presidency said the next round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegates will be held in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Tuesday.
Zelensky earlier told the Russian journalists he would refuse to sit down with Russia’s negotiators if they seek to solely discuss the “denazification” of Ukraine.
According to him, Ukraine will not discuss the terms “denazification” and “demilitarization” at all during talks with Russia.
