Zelensky: Ukraine willing to discuss neutrality in peace talks

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his country is willing to adopt a neutral and nuclear-free status.
• These conditions were among the demands put forth by Russian President Vladimir Putin in exchange for ending the attacks on Ukraine.
• Zelenskyy said that Ukraine will prioritize peace, “sovereignty and territorial integrity” in the upcoming peace talks in Turkey.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared on Sunday that his country is willing to adopt a neutral and nuclear-free status, among other security guarantees, to broker peace with Russia.

Zelenskyy noted, however, that adopting a neutral status would still need guarantees from third parties. The decision will also be put to a vote in a referendum for Ukrainians within a few months after Russian troops withdraw.

Zelenskyy’s remarks were banned from being published in Russia, per orders from Roskomnadzor, the Russian federal agency in charge of regulating communications.

Anyone who publishes information going against Moscow’s narrative about the situation in Ukraine can face up to 15 years of imprisonment, according to a recently passed law in Russia.

After their previous meeting ended without reaching an agreement, Ukraine and Russia will be conducting talks in Turkey this week.

Zelenskyy said in his Sunday nightly address that Ukraine will be prioritizing “sovereignty and territorial integrity.” He added, “We are looking for peace, really, without delay.”

Over 3.6 million residents of Ukraine were forced to flee the country since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started over a month ago. The United Nations refugee agency has called it the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.

Another 6.5 million people were displaced internally within Ukraine, while over 12 million more were impacted by the war.

The agency stated, “Many people remain trapped in areas of escalating conflict and, with essential services disrupted, are unable to meet their basic needs including food, water, and medicines. The delivery of life-saving aid remains challenging, with a lack of safe humanitarian access.”

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is also causing trade disruptions and shortages in the global food supply.

Ukraine and Russia export a third of the world’s supply of wheat and barley, and are also top exporters of other grains and sunflower seed oil.

Source: USA Today