Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is ready to hold trilateral peace talks in Azerbaijan “in the near future” if Russia “is ready for diplomacy.”
Speaking at a joint press conference after a meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Zelenskyy said it is “very important” for Ukraine that Russia “finds the strength to end this unjust war.”
“Of course, we highly value the role of our partners in mediating this process,” he said, adding that peace efforts were discussed with Aliyev.
He added that six documents in various areas, including security, were signed during the meeting in Azerbaijan’s northern city of Gabala.
Zelenskyy described the agreements on joint development of the countries’ defense industries as a “very serious step.”
Aliyev said Kyiv and Baku are engaged in “serious cooperation,” which was reaffirmed during the visit.
The Azerbaijani president said the two leaders also discussed expanding bilateral trade volume, which currently stands at more than $500 million.
Beyond political dialogue, he added, the sides also discussed cooperation in the energy sector.
US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine were held several times, but the Iran war has stalled that process.
