Zelensky: If Russia Does Not Agree to a Meeting Between the Presidents of Ukraine, the US, and Russia, the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Will Be "Prolonged"

Xinhua News Agency, Kyiv, February 28 - According to news from the Ukrainian International News Agency on the 27th, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated in an interview with Sky News UK that if Russia does not agree to hold a trilateral meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia in the near future, the Russia-Ukraine conflict will become "protracted."

Zelensky said he has spoken with U.S. President Trump, indicating that Ukraine and the U.S. need to hold a trilateral meeting with Russian President Putin. If Putin does not support this, it could lead to a "protracted" conflict. As the U.S. midterm elections approach, the situation may become more complicated, as the U.S. will focus on domestic issues at that time. If Putin is willing to hold a trilateral meeting, there is a chance it could take place within six months, and efforts could be made to end the conflict.

Zelensky stated that if U.S. involvement decreases, Europe may try to take a leading role in the negotiation process. If these efforts also yield no results, the conflict will last longer.

He also denied the possibility of going to Russia, expressing a willingness to dialogue with the Russian side outside of Russia and Belarus.

According to Russian media reports on January 28, Russian presidential aide Ushakov stated that if Zelensky is willing to meet with Putin, he can come to Moscow, and the Russian side will guarantee his safety and necessary working conditions. Ushakov also mentioned that the Russian side has never refused such contacts and will not refuse in the future.