Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian chief Vladimir Putin is afraid of direct negotiations with Ukraine.

Supply: Zelenskyy in an interview with Related Press

Quote: "He [Putin – ed.] is unquestionably afraid of direct talks with us. I imagine, in his thoughts, it represents his defeat, his weak spot. He fears this, which is why he’ll do every thing to push his previous narratives that it is a battle between the West and Russia.
He can not admit that he’s truly dropping to Ukraine. He has not defeated Ukraine, which suggests he’s dropping. And he can not acknowledge this as a result of right here is Russia on the map, and right here is Ukraine. That’s why he says, 'I need to speak to Trump, I’m prepared to speak to America' – he’s at all times accomplished this."

Particulars: Zelenskyy is satisfied that Putin will attempt to derail negotiations.

Quote: "He’ll begin by saying, 'it is a battle between Russia and the West, so I’m speaking to the West.' When President Trump tells him that Ukraine should be on the negotiation desk, he’ll once more convey up problems with illegitimacy. He’ll invent causes to keep away from the potential for ending the battle in Ukraine by means of talks with Ukraine. It’s not about personalities; it’s about his stance inside his personal state – to show that Ukraine doesn’t have company."

Particulars: In Zelenskyy’s view, Putin believes he’s "at battle with America and thinks he’s profitable in opposition to America".

Quote: "Though, totally on the battlefield, although it’s robust for us, that’s not the case. In actuality, Ukraine has not allowed him to defeat us."

Particulars: Zelenskyy harassed that US-Russia talks on the battle in Ukraine with out Ukraine’s participation can be "unsuitable".

Quote: "If we focus on our motion plan with Trump, perceive how this battle can finish, then he can most likely speak to the Russians if he desires, and that’s advantageous."

Background:

• In the identical interview, Zelenskyy mentioned that it will be "very harmful" to exclude Kyiv from the talks between the US and Russia on the battle in Ukraine. He mentioned the US, Ukraine, Russia and EU representatives ought to all be on the negotiating desk.
• On 23 January, US President Donald Trump confirmed plans to satisfy with Putin to finish Russia’s full-scale battle in opposition to Ukraine.
• On 24 January, Putin expressed a want to satisfy with Trump to "focus on problems with curiosity to Moscow and Washington". Within the context of the chance of negotiations to finish the battle, the Russian chief additionally recalled Zelenskyy's decree banning negotiations with Russia. Putin mentioned worldwide companions who sponsor Ukraine ought to power Zelenskyy to revoke his decree.
• On 25 January, Zelenskyy mentioned that it was to cease separatism that he enacted a Nationwide Safety and Defence Council ban on negotiations with Putin in 2022, because the Russians have been making an attempt to place stress on Ukraine by means of "many various corridors" that Ukraine couldn’t management.

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