**Ukrainian President Sets Conditions for Russia Talks**
The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has made it clear that his country will not negotiate with Russia unless it is from a position of strength. In an interview, he emphasized that Ukraine must be recognized as the victim and Russia as the aggressor in order to achieve a “just peace”.
Zelenskyy also stressed that Western partners should continue to support Ukraine’s efforts and that negotiations should involve elements of Ukraine’s victory plan. This plan was presented by Zelenskyy to international partners in September.
**Ukraine Will Not Negotiate from Weakness**
The Ukrainian President rejected the idea of neutral mediators in cases where international law is violated, saying that such neutrality is inappropriate when Russia has committed aggression against Ukraine. He also emphasized that he would only engage in direct presidential-level dialogue with former US President Donald Trump, not his advisors.
Zelenskyy characterized Putin’s willingness to negotiate as an attempt to break his political isolation rather than a genuine peace initiative. He said that any negotiations should be based on the principle of a strong Ukraine and not on capitulation terms from Ukraine’s side.
**Russia Must Withdraw Before Negotiations**
The Head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, specified that Russia must withdraw its troops to pre-war positions before any dialogue can begin. This was made in response to recent developments, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz holding a phone call with Putin and Trump’s reported plans to appoint a peace envoy.
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