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Zelenskyy's 2022 Decree Bans Putin Talks to Stop Separatism, Open to Russia Negotiations

Jan 25, 2025, 06:00 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has explained that his 2022 decree banning negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin was aimed at stopping separatism within Ukraine. The decree was a response to Russia's attempts to exert pressure on Ukraine through various channels, including shadow negotiation processes involving figures like Viktor Medvedchuk. Zelenskyy emphasized that the ban, enacted following a decision by the National Security Council, applies to everyone except the President of Ukraine, asserting his role as the leader of negotiations. He made these comments during a press conference with Moldovan President Maia Sandu. Zelenskyy also expressed readiness to engage in talks with the Russian side, suggesting a potential negotiation platform involving Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and Russia.