PRESS RELEASE : To confirm the absence of intentions to attack Ukraine, Russia must take concrete steps – Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 28 January 2022.

The Russian Federation must confirm the absence of intentions to attack Ukraine and its readiness to negotiate by taking concrete steps. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a meeting with representatives of foreign media.

The Head of State believes that the dialogue can begin at least with the issue of release of detainees.

“Does anyone enjoy the fact that people are in prison? What’s the point? What is your historic victory? You went down in history because people were imprisoned?” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, if Russia has any questions to Ukraine, it is necessary to meet and talk, not to bring troops to the Ukrainian borders and intimidate ordinary citizens.

“I am willing to meet and I’m not afraid of any format. Bilateral format… I am ready for any format,” the Head of State said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted that as President he has to knock on all the doors, appeal to all world leaders, put forward different formats and platforms to return peace to Ukraine. In particular, he would like the United States to join the negotiation process.

“I would like President Biden to be able to do that, so that we have a negotiating platform in the United States – Ukraine – Russia format,” he said.

According to the Head of State, this format could take place in parallel with the Normandy negotiation process.

“Every time I propose certain steps from our state. And I believe that President Biden can help us,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.