Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the 25th (local time) asserted that Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and Russia must participate in negotiations to end the Ukraine war.
According to Reuters and AFP, President Zelenskyy noted during a press conference after meeting with Moldovan President Maia Sandu in Kyiv on that day that the framework for peace talks had not been established but added, "I truly hope Ukraine will be there, and the Americans, Europeans, and Russians must be there."
He asserted, "It is impossible to exclude Ukraine from the negotiation platform," stating that negotiations without Ukraine would yield only political results rather than substantial outcomes. Regarding the necessity of European participation, he answered, "We genuinely want Europe's involvement because we will become a member of the European Union (EU)."
U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on the 20th that he could talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the war since taking office. President Putin also expressed willingness to meet with President Trump the day before. However, President Putin stated that serious negotiations with Ukraine would be difficult due to a decree imposed by President Zelenskyy barring him from negotiating with Putin.
In response, President Zelenskyy explained that President Putin introduced such a ban to prevent communication channels with other Ukrainian negotiators.
President Zelenskyy stated he is ready to supply coal to Moldova, which is experiencing an energy crisis since the cessation of Russian natural gas supply to Europe through Ukraine this month. He also mentioned readiness to transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe using his country's infrastructure, adding that if an agreement is reached, contracts could be swiftly signed.