Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (Photo: Getty).
Pravda reported on November 4 that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied information that Ukraine's allies and partners were pressuring his government to negotiate with Russia.
"Everyone knows my position, as well as that of the Ukrainian people. No one is pressuring me now. That happened before and at the beginning of the conflict. But now, no American or European Union leader is pressuring me," Zelensky said.
"There will never be a situation where we sit down to negotiate and make concessions to Russia," the Ukrainian leader added.
The statement was made after NBC news quoted an unnamed US official as saying that US and European leaders "are quietly talking to Ukraine about potential negotiations with Russia to end the conflict." According to NBC, some discussions took place last month.
“These conversations included very broad outlines of what Ukraine might need to give up to reach a deal,” the source said.
NBC commented that this shows the concerns of Western allies and partners that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is falling into a stalemate, as well as concerns about their ability to continue to aid Ukraine.
In a recent interview with the Economist, Ukraine’s Chief of the General Staff Valery Zaluzhny said that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia had stalled along a wide frontline and that no major breakthroughs were likely. He predicted that the conflict could drag on for years.
However, Mr. Zelensky has denied this comment.
"It's not a stalemate. Russia has air superiority and we are protecting our forces. We need to coordinate with our allies to get more air defense equipment, end Russia's control of the sky, give our soldiers the opportunity to conduct counterattack operations," President Zelensky said.
He cited the example of last year, when everyone thought the war was at a stalemate, Ukraine made great strides in its counter-offensive in Kharkiv, taking back the region from Russia.
Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian President, Igor Zhovkva, also said that Mr. Zaluzhny should not have said this because it could cause concern among Western aid donors.
Ukraine's counteroffensive has lasted more than five months. Officials admit the pace of the offensive has been slower than expected, but Kiev has made steady progress. Ukraine has called on the West to step up aid to support the offensive.
Meanwhile, Russia says Western countries have grown tired of providing aid to Ukraine as the war drags on.
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