Answering questions from members of the press in Copenhagen as part of his visit to Denmark, Zelenski emphasized that they were ready for a meeting at the leadership level to end the war, but they were not sure whether Russia was ready for it.
Zelenski stated that everyone in Europe wants to be represented in future peace negotiations, but too many representatives will make negotiations difficult and said, "Everyone's voice is very important, but 40 people cannot talk to Putin." he said.
Stating that he hoped that a decision would be made on the sole representative of Europe before the end of November, Zelenski noted that countries should evaluate this issue.
"IT IS DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH THE RUSSIANS"
Speaking about the tripartite negotiations held between the delegations of Ukraine, the USA and Russia in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Zelenski said, "It is difficult to get along with the Russians. They are not our best friends." he said.
Stating that humanitarian issues and security guarantees were discussed in the negotiations, Zelenski stated that the release of prisoners of war was among the priority issues.
Zelenski stated that a large-scale prisoner exchange was also on the agenda during the talks in Abu Dhabi and said that an exchange of 1000 to 1000 or 1500 to 1500 was being evaluated.
"WE ARE READY TO TALK ABOUT THE LAND ISSUE"
Stating that the US side will go to Russia with an agenda regarding a large-scale prisoner exchange, Zelenski stated that the Russian side also brought up the territorial issue and that this issue should be resolved at the leadership level.
Zelenski said, "We are ready to sit down and talk about the territorial issue. I said that we need to hold bilateral talks with the mediation of Europe and the USA. It is important to meet at the leaders' level because I know all the issues and I think the Russian leader should know where we are and the whole situation." he said.
Zelenski said, "I think they will discuss the possibility of meeting at the leadership level tomorrow. We are not sure that Russia is ready, but we will bring this issue to the agenda."
Stating that the Ukrainian delegation has the necessary authority for the negotiations, Zelenski noted that tension reduction, energy, the Black Sea and a possible tripartite leaders' meeting will also be discussed during the talks.
Zelenski described the tripartite talks as "constructive and quite comprehensive."
"WE ARE NOT READY TO TRUST PUTIN"
Zelenski pointed out that one cannot live without hope and stated that they always support negotiations, but that more pressure on Russia is needed for this.
Arguing that they did not start this war, Zelenski said, "We want only one thing from the aggressor; we want him to stop this war, resort to diplomacy and try to solve everything." he said.
Zelenski stated that they need the USA and that the strongest security guarantee that Ukraine can receive can come from Europe and the USA, and that they need European resources for more defense.
Pointing out that they need more air defense, Zelenskiy noted that they need more F-16 fighter jets and that ammunition is also a part of this air defense.
Referring to the negotiations with the US delegation, Zelenski said:
"I am very pleased with what I heard. We will see what can be done. I have been with the special representatives of the United States, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, from the very beginning. I made it very clear to them. This is part of our nation, not real estate. That is why all these issues are so sensitive. It is not about land. It is not about square kilometers. We are talking about different issues that are very, very sensitive for the people."
Zelenski emphasized that they are not ready to trust Putin.
Pointing out that Ukraine needs support to survive the winter, Zelenski noted that he discussed this issue in his meetings with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the leaders of the Scandinavian countries.
Zelenski also stated that they discussed opening an office in Copenhagen within the scope of the "Freya" project, which aims to establish a common air defense system with European countries at the initiative of Ukraine.
Emphasizing that the unity between Ukraine and the Scandinavian countries is important and strong, Zelenski added that the Baltic countries are also important cooperation partners and he hopes to act together with these countries in the future.
