Volodymyr Zelensky expressed Kyiv’s readiness to sign a peace agreement with the US and Russia in statements made on Friday. The Ukrainian president said documents for an agreement between Ukraine and the US could be signed next week if a deal is reached beforehand. “Ukraine needs security guarantees that will last longer than Trump’s term,” the Ukrainian president stated, accusing Moscow of delaying peace efforts, while noting that ultimatums are not the way to conduct diplomacy.
According to Zelensky, an agreement that would end the military conflicts in Ukraine could be endorsed in the Swiss city of Davos, where international leaders, including Donald Trump, will gather for the World Economic Forum (January 19-23).
He also noted that a Ukrainian delegation is already heading to the US for talks regarding security guarantees and a package of prosperity measures. During these talks, Kyiv’s delegation also hopes to be clearly informed about Russia’s position.
Kremlin: “Trump is right that Zelensky is delaying peace”
The Kremlin stated on Thursday that Russia agrees with Donald Trump’s view that Volodymyr Zelensky, not Russia, is delaying a potential peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine. The statement came after the American president’s exclusive Oval Office interview with Reuters on Wednesday, where Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to conclude the nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. “I think he’s ready to make a deal,” Trump said referring to the Russian president. “I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal,” he added.
Trump’s response about Zelensky
When asked why US-led negotiations have not yet resolved Europe’s largest land conflict since World War II, Trump answered: “Zelensky.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also revealed that Russia will welcome White House envoy Steve Witkoff and American President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, once a visit date is agreed upon. Bloomberg had previously reported this development.
