In an interview with Japanese television NHK as reported by Hungarian daily Magyar Nemzet, Zelensky said that work had already begun and instructions were sent to his government and diplomatic team. He also stressed two points that he believes could bring the Russian special military operation in Ukraine to an end.
"The first is the strengthening of the Ukrainian Army, mainly with the support of the United States. The second is international diplomatic pressure on Russia," Zelensky said.
Kyiv added that it is open to detailed discussions with nations whose territorial integrities have been affected by the conflict, among other issues Zelensky said he is open to negotiating on. However, he stipulated that he could not react to calls for a ceasefire given that Russia continues to occupy parts of Ukraine.
Zelensky earlier said in an interview with the BBC that if Russia is willing to engage in real dialogues, the Ukrainian leader will be willing to open negotiations on a peace deal to end the war.
This is a major shift, given that he had earlier banned his country from entering into negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin by law.
Zelensky changes tune in anticipation of Trump's return to the White House
Zelensky's declaration indicated that he has taken a somewhat more tolerant position than his earlier peace plan following recent developments in the U.S. presidential race.
Ukraine plans to set up a second peace summit in the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election in November. However, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin already announced that Russia will not attend this summit. (Related: Zelensky: Russia SHOULD ATTEND the next Ukraine peace summit.)
Zelensky recently had a call with former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential candidate and who most polls foresee will be reelected president. The prospect of a Trump presidency, with a very "different" foreign policy approach from outgoing President Joe Biden, appears to have incited Zelensky to review his strategy.
Involving Russia at the negotiating table might be an attempt to preempt possible changes in American support and strengthen Ukraine's position before any shifts in the global landscape. And that is one possible reason why Zelensky made a call to Trump after the failed assassination attempt.
Declaring the call on Twitter, Zelensky disclosed that both leaders agreed to a future "personal" meeting to discuss peace with Russia. "Ukraine will always be grateful to the U.S. for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror," Zelensky said.
The conversation took on an extra layer of diplomacy as Zelensky congratulated Trump on winning the Republican nomination and condemned the assassination attempt against him.
Trump described the talk with Zelensky as a "very good call," expressing his plan to work toward settling a peace deal. Reports indicate this could include convincing Ukraine to concede territory.
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Watch the video below about Kyiv preparing for a peace conference with Russia.
This video is from the The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Putin: Kyiv regime will drag out ceasefire talks to try to remain in power FOREVER.
Kuleba changes tune, now says Ukraine "willing and ready" to sit down with Russia.
Zelensky organizes Peace Summit in Switzerland – but leaves Russia out of the picture.
Kuleba: Russia will eventually have to be involved in peace talks with Ukraine.
Fyodor Lukyanov: Here's why this weekend's Ukraine 'peace conference' is a sham.
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