Zelenskiy is optimistic about European and U.S. involvement in peace talks for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed his hope that both Europe and the United States will participate in any discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, as he addressed reporters on Saturday. During a joint press conference with President Maia Sandu of neighboring Moldova, Zelenskiy emphasized the necessity of Ukraine’s involvement in any negotiations for them to be effective.

Regarding the structure of potential talks, Zelenskiy stated, “I sincerely hope that Ukraine will be present, along with America, Europe, and the Russians,” while noting that no specific framework has been established yet.

He further articulated his desire for European participation, highlighting Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union. Zelenskiy expressed confidence that new U.S. President Donald Trump could facilitate an end to the war, provided Ukraine is included in the discussions. “Without Ukraine’s involvement, it won’t succeed. Russia is not interested in concluding the conflict, whereas Ukraine is eager to do so,” he remarked.

Trump had previously pledged during his campaign to resolve the war within 24 hours of taking office, although his advisors have indicated that reaching an agreement may take several months.

The U.S. president has shown a willingness to engage in dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the conflict. On Friday, Putin expressed his interest in meeting Trump to discuss Ukraine, referencing a 2022 decree from Zelenskiy that prohibits negotiations with him as an obstacle to talks. At the press conference, Zelenskiy explained that this ban was implemented to prevent Putin from establishing alternative communication channels with Ukrainian representatives, noting that Russia was actively attempting to do so prior to the issuance of the order.

ASSISTANCE FOR MOLDOVA

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine is prepared to provide coal to Moldova, which is currently experiencing an energy crisis due to the cessation of Russian gas supplies through Ukraine earlier this year.

While the majority of Moldova is governed by the authorities in Chisinau, a significant portion of the population resides in Transdniestria, a region that seceded following a violent conflict in the 1990s after the Soviet Union’s dissolution.

This region, home to Moldova’s sole power station, is now severely impacted by the energy crisis, having lost its gas supply and warning that its reserves are rapidly depleting. “Russia’s recent actions have been aimed at creating an energy crisis,” Sandu stated to reporters in Kyiv, noting that electricity prices have surged in areas under her administration, with conditions being even more dire in the breakaway region. “Residents of Transdniestria, trapped under an unconstitutional regime supported by Russia for the last thirty years, are now facing cold and darkness.”

Sandu characterized this situation as part of a deliberate Russian strategy to instigate turmoil in Moldova and pave the way for a pro-Russian government ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine could supply sufficient coal to either Moldova or Transdniestria to alleviate their energy challenges and reduce electricity prices by 30%. “Ensuring that Moldova does not face a crisis is also crucial for our security in Ukraine,” he remarked, adding that Ukraine could dispatch a team of experts to assist in utilizing Ukrainian coal at the power plant in Transdniestria.

Sandu indicated that the decision to accept this assistance lies with the authorities in Tiraspol, the capital of Transdniestria.