Zelensky: "I Want to Meet Putin to End the War"

Davos Forum Virtual Speech "Cannot Accept Meetings with Anyone Except Putin"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he wants to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war with Russia.

According to major foreign media on the 23rd (local time), President Zelensky said in a virtual speech at the Davos Forum that Putin is the only Russian figure he is willing to meet, and he is willing to meet President Putin to discuss ways to end the war.

President Zelensky said, "The President of the Russian Federation decides everything," and added, "If discussions to end the war are held without the President of the Russian Federation, nothing can be decided."

President Zelensky also said that dialogue with Russia is becoming increasingly difficult due to evidence of the brutal acts committed by Russia against civilians when Russia occupied Ukraine. He added that he does not want to have talks with any Russian figures other than President Putin.

He emphasized, "Meeting with any Russian figures other than President Putin is unacceptable, and dialogue will only take place if the sole issue discussed is the cessation of the war."

President Zelensky urged the West to impose maximum sanctions on Russia. He stressed, "Maximum sanctions must be imposed on Russia," and added, "Additional sanctions are needed to stop Russia's aggression, such as banning oil imports, blocking Russian banks, and completely halting trade with Russia." He also said Western companies should withdraw from Russia so as not to aid Russia in conducting the war.

President Zelensky also called for additional support for Ukraine. He said, "Ukraine needs at least $5 billion (about 6.3 trillion won) in funds every month," and added, "We need to rebuild entire cities and industries."