Zelenskyy names first step to start negotiations with Russia

The first step towards peace talks between Ukraine and Russia should be the withdrawal of troops from Ukrainian lands, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a conversation with students and faculty members of Yale University, Report informs citing RBC-Ukraine.

The president stressed that Ukraine is not ready to talk today with Putin and in general ‘with such a regime and an approach of disrespect for sovereignty and freedom. Thus, disrespect is manifested at least in the fact that the Russian military are on the territory of our state and kill people here.’

“So, the first step should be to withdraw from our territories. Further conversation will also depend on how the Russians leave our country. So, if the enemy leaves after our defenders push it back, this is one format of dialogue. But if they themselves leave our lands, there will be a smoother transition from war to diplomacy,” he said.