- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt military skirmishes between the two countries
- He also sought to end the overall tensions between the two sides
- Zelensky also sought support for Ukraine among the western states
KIEV, Ukraine: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrange talks to halt military skirmishes between the two countries, as well as to end the overall tensions between the two countries.
During a video address, Zelensky extended the invitation to Putin, while also seeking support for Ukraine among western states.
“Mr Putin: I am ready to go even further and invite you to meet anywhere in the Ukrainian Donbass, where there is a war,” Zelensky said.
Since 2014, Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each other for clashes in the Donbass region, in a conflict that Ukraine says has killed 14,000 people.
The military confrontation with Russia has resulted in Ukraine requesting NATO member states to admit Ukraine into the alliance. Ukraine has also asked the European Union to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow.
“Our citizens need clear signals that in the eighth year of the war, a country that is a shield for Europe, at the cost of its lives, will receive support, not just as partners from the stands, but as players on the same team, directly on the field, shoulder to shoulder,” Zelensky said.
“Does Ukraine want the war? No. But is Ukraine ready for the war? Yes,” added Zelensky.
