Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has set up a permanent expanded national negotiation group to work on ending the war with Russia and establishing real and lasting peace.
Announcing the decision in his Facebook page on Monday, Zelensky said he held a meeting focused on diplomatic efforts to end the war and establish a real and reliable peace.
Commenting on peace talks attended by Zelenskiy and senior officials in Turkiye on May 15–16, the Ukrainian leader stressed that Vladimir Putin’s refusal to visit Turkiye, showed the world “both our commitment to advancing peace and, at the same time, the necessity of pressuring Russia in order to stop the war."
Zelenskiy emphasized that the most significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement on a prisoner exchange in a 1000 for 1000 format.
“Our team is currently working through the details of the exchange. I am grateful to everyone who is contributing to this effort,” Zelenskiy noted.
Commenting on the US-proposed 30-day peace deal, which has been supported by Ukraine, Zelenskiy stressed that “Our proposal, shared by our partners, is 30 days — we are ready for this. We are also prepared for a meeting at the level of leaders to solve the key issues. Ukraine is not afraid of direct talks with Russia, and it is important that the Russian leadership not prolong the war.”
In his words, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Head of the Presidential Office Andrii Yermak reported on meetings and contacts with representatives of the U.S. and European partners - including France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Türkiye.
“We are coordinating with our partners on an almost daily basis. I am grateful for the support. I have given instructions to form a permanent, expanded national negotiation group,” Zelenskiy went on saying.
It should be noted that US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a two-hour phone conversation on Monday to discuss Moscow-Kyiv peace negotiations. Trump said the two countries would “immediately” start negotiations to end the war.
