President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with the Russian side, despite the crimes committed by the aggressor. He said this on April 24 during a joint press conference with the President of the South African Republic of Syril Ramafoso in Praetoria.
“Ukraine is ready to sit at the negotiation table after a complete and unconditional ceasefire - with terrorists who staged all this on our land. This is a big compromise on our part, ”Zelensky emphasized.
The President emphasized that the first and integral step towards peaceful settlement should be the complete cessation of hostilities. However, according to the Head of State, it is Russia who does not agree on it.
"Everyone agrees, except for the Russian Federation," he said.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is most interested in the end of the war, and supported all peace initiatives that envisage ceasefire as an initial condition.
The President also hoped that the United States will be able to increase the pressure on the Kremlin: "If one of the parties does not agree to the ceasefire and the other steps leading to the end of the war, strong actions, including sanctions, will be taken."
He added that he does not see sufficient international pressure on Russia at present, but believes that thanks to the coordinated efforts of partners, the end of the war can be closer.
“Without emotions and throws, we say very directly: with greater pressure on the Russian Federation, we will be able to bring the parties closer to a complete ceasefire. This is the number one step, ”Zelensky summed up.
