Ukraine's Zelenskiy says Russia talks could be called positive, won't slacken defences

Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the Ukrainian President, said Tuesday that the signals from the peace talks with Russia could possibly be called positive, but noted that they didn't drown out the Russian shell explosions.

Zelenskiy, in a late-night address, also warned against Russia's promise of sharply curtailing military action in certain areas. He said that Ukraine will not be relinquishing its defensive efforts.

Russia and Ukraine are currently holding peace talks in Istanbul. Zelenskiy stated that Kyiv had no reason to believe the words of some Russian representatives.

"We can affirm that the signals we receive from the talks are positive, but they don't drown out the Russian shell explosions," he stated, noting that Ukraine could only trust concrete results from the talks.

Russia had earlier in the day promised to reduce military operations around Ukraine's capital, and northern regions.

Zelenskiy stated that, despite the vow, "the position has not become simpler... The Russian army still holds significant potential to continue attacking our state." He said, "Therefore, we aren't reducing our defense efforts."

Zelenskiy stated that any peace agreement must include Russian troops leaving Ukraine and no compromises on Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity.

Advertisement

He also called for stronger sanctions against Russia, and rejected the idea that current punitive actions be lifted until the war is over and justice has been restored.