Fri Feb 14 12:42:48 UTC 2025: ## Zelensky Conditions Talks with Russia on Shared Western Strategy

**Munich, Germany** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated Friday that he is prepared for direct negotiations with Russia, but only after achieving a unified approach with the United States and European allies on ending the war. This condition comes amidst concerns over former US President Donald Trump’s recent phone calls with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky emphasized the need for a common understanding with Western partners regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions before engaging in talks with Moscow. He stressed Ukraine’s readiness for discussions with its allies to achieve this unified strategy. “We are ready for any conversations with America and our allies,” Zelensky said. “If they provide us with specific answers to specific requests from us and a common understanding of the dangerous Putin, then, with our unified understanding, we will be ready to talk with the Russians.”

These comments follow a meeting between Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance in Munich. Vance, in a Wall Street Journal interview, affirmed Washington’s military leverage against Russia and its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Vance’s “strong signals.”

Concerns have arisen in Kyiv regarding former President Trump’s calls for a swift resolution to the conflict and his past criticisms of aid to Ukraine. While Trump’s lengthy conversation with Putin has fueled anxieties that Ukraine might be pressured into accepting unfavorable peace terms, Zelensky clarified that no concrete US plan for ending the war has yet been presented. “I don’t see that the US has a plan ready,” Zelensky stated.

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