20 Mar, 09:20

Zelensky says meeting with Russia no major problem for Ukraine

Zelensky was quick to add that Ukrainian officials would "derive no pleasure" from meeting with Russian representatives

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky, who still has not revoked the decree banning Kiev from holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claims that holding a meeting with Russian officials won’t be "a significant problem" for Ukraine.

"You know, it’s not a significant problem, provided that some results are achieved. I believe that if the parties work out technical solutions and show political will <...>, a meeting won’t be a problem," he told an online briefing, asked when a Ukraine-Russia meeting could take place. Zelensky’s office posted a video of the briefing on its YouTube channel.

However, Zelensky was quick to add that Ukrainian officials would "derive no pleasure" from meeting with Russian representatives. "It’s an absolutely pragmatic issue; if some options are developed that can bring us closer to ending the war, we will move forward without taking breaks and being emotional," he said.

Speaking about the upcoming round of communication with the US, Zelensky expressed hope that it would take place on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Meanwhile, US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff said on March 18 that the US and Russia would hold another meeting on Sunday in the Saudi city of Jeddah.

Zelensky also made it clear that an energy infrastructure ceasefire would not take effect until a relevant document was signed. According to him, Ukrainian officials taking part in the Saudi Arabia meeting will bring with them a list of energy sites that Kiev would like to be shielded from strikes. "I do hope that the meeting will be held in Saudi Arabia in the coming days and we will be able to make an agreement," he added.

Putin and Trump held a phone call on March 18, discussing the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions, and a number of international issues. The Russian leader supported the US president’s initiative for an energy infrastructure ceasefire in Ukraine. However, after that, Kiev attacked an energy site in southern Russia using three drones, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.

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