Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told CBS News that any future negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war must take place without intermediaries. In his view, the dialogue should be direct — between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Direct dialogue instead of mediation
Sikorski emphasized that while the exchange of bodies of the deceased and prisoners of war is already being carried out through third parties, key issues concerning the cessation of hostilities must be resolved directly. "Personally, I think it is better to allow Russia and Ukraine to conduct direct negotiations. They are negotiating the exchange of bodies of fallen soldiers, prisoners of war. And there are issues on which we do not want to put pressure on them," the Polish minister noted.
The last direct meeting between representatives of Ukraine and Russia took place in February of this year in the UAE as part of a trilateral summit organized with US mediation. However, according to Sikorski, it is precisely direct contact between the leaders of the two countries that could be the decisive factor in achieving peace.
Responsibility lies with Putin
According to Sikorski, progress in the issue of ending the war depends directly on Vladimir Putin. "We believe that if Putin is ready for a ceasefire proposed by Ukraine, or for a peace agreement, he will find a way to contact Zelensky," the Polish Foreign Minister summarized.
Zelensky confirms readiness for a meeting
Recently, Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the prospect of a direct meeting with Putin remains in force. He noted that real formats for ending the war have been "on the table" in Moscow for a long time. The President also recorded a video address in which he said that Ukraine has made proposals to both key partners and Putin's friends regarding the possibility of a meeting and ending the war.
Turkey ready to provide a venue
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ankara is ready to provide a venue for resuming negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This could be an important step towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict.
Thus, the position of Poland and other partner countries of Ukraine is aimed at creating conditions for direct dialogue between the leaders of the two countries, which could lead to the end of the war.