Zelensky Explains Ban on Talks with Putin

Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he has prohibited negotiations with Vladimir Putin to thwart attempts to influence Ukraine through separatist and covert channels. He made this statement during a joint press conference with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, reports NewsBox. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky explained his decision to sign a decree banning talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. During the press conference with Moldova's leader, Maia Sandu, he noted that this decision was a response to the threat of separatism within Ukraine, which emerged against the backdrop of the ongoing war.

Zelensky clarified that at the onset of the invasion, when Russian forces were near Kyiv, many 'unofficial political avenues' and backchannel negotiations emerged. The Russian side was actively establishing channels of influence through separatists and representatives from other states, putting the country's independence at risk.

I simply halted separatism in our state by prohibiting any political figures in Ukraine from engaging in talks with the Russian side, with Putin's supporters, during the war, emphasized the President.

He added that such measures were necessary due to the inability to fully control these channels.

Zelensky also noted that this decision drew displeasure from Putin, as the Russian side had previously constructed numerous such communications. However, according to the Ukrainian leader, the ban on negotiations became essential for safeguarding the country's sovereignty.