Fri Feb 14 13:43:59 UTC 2025: ## Zelenskyy Open to Direct Talks with Russia, Pending Allied Agreement
**Munich, Germany –** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness for direct talks with Russia, contingent upon reaching a unified strategy with the United States and Europe on ending the three-year war. This statement comes after a series of phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump and both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Trump’s proposed peace plan remains unclear, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in the support of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who affirmed Washington’s military leverage and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Zelenskyy’s comments follow concerns in Kyiv that Trump’s pursuit of a rapid resolution and criticism of Ukrainian aid could pressure Ukraine into accepting unfavorable peace terms dictated by Moscow. The Ukrainian president emphasized the need for a common understanding with allies before engaging in direct negotiations with Russia.
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