Ukraine is “still ready” to resume talks with Russia, which have been blocked since the revelation of atrocities in Bucha and other locations surrounding Kyiv, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a press conference with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who was visiting Bucha, Zelensky remarked, “Ukraine has always said it is ready for negotiations and looking for any method to end this war.”
“Unfortunately, we observe simultaneous preparations for big battles, some say decisive battles, in the east,” he warned, referring to a planned Russian offensive.
“We are ready to fight while also looking for a diplomatic solution to end this war,” he continued.
Ukrainian negotiators are alleged to have signalled their willingness to accept neutrality in exchange for security guarantees from third parties at the last face-to-face talks between the two sides on March 29.
“We’ve noticed a gathering of guns, equipment, and troops in the east and south getting ready to capture another section of our country,” Zelensky added.
Any fresh Russian offensive would be determined by “a number of circumstances,” including Ukraine’s “strength, the speed with which our partners provide us with armaments, and the Russian leader’s (Vladimir Putin) desire to push farther,” he said.
