Zelensky: "Every war ends with an agreement"

The two sides' positions in the negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia sound more realistic, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a recorded message to his fellow citizens.

However, he warned that it would take time for Kiev's demands to be met.

"We all want peace and victory as soon as possible," he said, "but it will take effort and patience."

"Every war ends with an agreement," Zelensky continued, assuring that negotiations "will continue."

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators discussed via video link Monday and Tuesday. Adviser to the Ukrainian presidency Mikhail Pontoliak said last night that the talks would continue today.

Kyiv demands an end to the war and the withdrawal of Russian troops. For its part, Moscow is urging Kyiv to recognize that the Crimean peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, is Russian, and also to recognize the self-proclaimed Donbass People's Democracies as independent state entities.

Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that what he called Russia's aggressive war would bring shame, misery and years of isolation to Moscow.

However, he appeared to be making a concession to Moscow, implying that Kyiv does not rule out the possibility of Ukraine abandoning its bid to join NATO, something that Russia considers a casus belli.

In a Kremlin statement issued following a meeting between Vladimir Putin and European Council President Charles Michel, the Russian president said there was no indication that Kyiv was prepared to "commit to finding mutually acceptable solutions."

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ