Ukraine agrees to talks with Russia, ready to discuss ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is ready to start talks on a ceasefire with Russia, a spokesman for the president said, confirming that Kiev has contacted the Kremlin about the place and time of possible talks.
Russia earlier said the Ukrainian leader had "disappeared" after initially agreeing to talks.
"I must refute the assertion that we refuse to negotiate. Ukraine was and remains ready to discuss peace and a ceasefire," spokesman Sergii Nykyforov said, adding that "the parties are currently consulting on the time and place of negotiations."
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| President Volodymyr Zelensky attends an emergency meeting with senior officials in Kiev after Russia announced a "special military operation" on February 24. Photo: AP |
Kiev also confirmed reports that President Zelensky's administration asked Israel to mediate in talks with the Kremlin.
Ukraine's ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, told the New York Times that Israel has not yet responded.
"They're not saying no. They're trying to figure out where they are on this board. We believe Israel is a democracy that has good relations with both Ukraine and Russia."
Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Ukraine had refused to negotiate on February 25 and that Kiev was postponing discussions on the issue until February 26.
Mr. Zelensky suggested the Polish capital Warsaw as the venue for negotiations instead of Russia's proposal of the Belarusian capital Minsk, but "disappeared" shortly afterward, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said./.
