Zelensky surprised about the negotiations. “We feel like a mediator, not a party to the conflict”
Daily diplomatic contacts between Kiev and Washington are not bringing the expected results. — We hold talks with the American side every day. Our negotiating group is talking to its partners. However, we are struggling with a certain difficulty – we have the impression that in this process we are playing the role of mediators, not parties to the conflict – said Zelensky in the TV marathon “The Only Ones”. The words of the Ukrainian leader were quoted by the Interfax-Ukraine agency.
Stalemate in negotiations between the US and Russia. It's all about location
The Ukrainian leader explained that his country was ready for talks anywhere in the world. — We are ready to meet anywhere, preferably in a three-party format. However, the American side can only meet in the United States, and the Russian side can meet anywhere but in America, Zelensky pointed out.
Ukraine expressed its readiness to conduct negotiations not only in its own country, but also in other European capitals, Turkey and Switzerland. Russia's refusal to come to the U.S. prevents trilateral meetings from being held, even though Kiev can travel to both America and other locations.
A break in the talks. The Kremlin has spoken
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on March 19 that the break in talks was temporary. Moscow recognizes that negotiations can resume once all parties – especially Washington's representatives – agree on their timetables.
US-Ukraine consultations without Moscow's participation
However, Zelensky noticed a fundamental difference in the assessment of the situation between Kiev and Washington. Ukraine does not see Russia's real readiness to end the war and insists on increasing pressure on Moscow. Meanwhile, the United States believes that Vladimir Putin wants to end the conflict, which causes differences in the positions of both allies.
