Zelensky Ready to Discuss Issues of Crimea and Donbas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he is prepared to discuss the recognition of Crimea and the Donbas republics with Russia, but only after Ukraine receives security guarantees, TASS reports.

"This is a very difficult story for everyone. Both Crimea and Donbas concern us all. To find some kind of exit from there, it is necessary to take the first step I mentioned—security guarantees and the end of the war," he said in an interview with European countries and Ukrainian television channels.

Zelensky stated that he is ready to raise these issues during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "In the first meeting with the president of Russia, I am ready to bring up these issues; they are urgent and important to us. But I am confident that this meeting will not lead to a decision on this matter. Frankly speaking, when it comes to security guarantees, we will talk about constitutional changes, amendments to Ukrainian legislation, and if we discuss those matters, then in any case, it will be determined not only by the president but also by the Rada and the people of Ukraine," said Zelensky.