Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian officials of providing misleading information about their territorial control in Ukraine during peace negotiations in Abu Dhabi. Speaking in Copenhagen on November 10, Zelensky claimed that Russian negotiators exaggerated their military’s control over the Donbas region, asserting dominance over areas still under Ukrainian authority. This discrepancy was challenged by Ukraine with video and photographic evidence.
Zelensky expressed concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin is receiving inaccurate reports about the battlefield situation, leading to unrealistic claims about Russia’s capacity to capture remaining eastern territories. Despite these tensions, Zelensky remains open to direct talks with Putin, under the condition that the United States and European countries serve as mediators. He firmly rejected Moscow’s demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its own territory, insisting that any territorial decisions must accurately reflect the current situation on the ground.
In addition to territorial disputes, Zelensky urged Washington to increase economic and political pressure on Moscow, cautioning against expanding business ties or easing sanctions. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to diplomatic avenues and mentioned the potential for prisoner exchanges as a positive step towards progress.
The Ukrainian president also voiced apprehensions about discussions between the United States and Russia on a new European security arrangement, warning that such proposals could destabilize the region. Zelensky emphasized that resolving the war, ensuring security guarantees for Ukraine, and addressing broader European security issues should occur sequentially and appropriately.
Zelensky underscored the importance of accountability in any future peace agreement, particularly for those responsible for civilian casualties and wartime atrocities. He maintained that Russia must cease its military aggression and pursue a genuine diplomatic resolution to the conflict.