Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the Ukrainian delegation taking part in tomorrow’s talks in London — held in the “Europe plus U.S.” format (France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Ukraine, and the United States) — will have a mandate to negotiate a full or partial ceasefire.
He said this during a press briefing on Tuesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
“As for our team, tomorrow they will have the mandate they need — namely, to discuss an unconditional ceasefire or a partial ceasefire. We are ready for this stage. We are also ready to make it clear that once a ceasefire is in place, we are ready to sit down [for further talks] in any format,” Zelensky said.
He also expressed hope that Russia is ready for dialogue.
“We’ll believe that there’s at least some progress if Russia is genuinely prepared — even though it’s clear they don’t want to — to take real steps toward results. That they’re serious people making serious moves, not just indulging in more childishness,” Zelensky said.
At the same time, he reiterated that Ukraine would never recognize Russian control over occupied territories.
“Ukraine does not and will not recognize the legal occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about there. It’s outside the bounds of our Constitution. It’s our land — the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelensky said.
Earlier reports said that high-level talks would take place in London on April 23 with representatives from the foreign ministries of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The meeting follows up on negotiations held last week in Paris with the participation of French President Emmanuel Macron.
Source: Ukrainian delegation in London will have mandate to discuss ceasefire – Zelensky
