Zelensky Urges EU Chiefs to Press Putin to Drop ‘Unnecessary Demands’ in Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calls on EU leaders to push Vladimir Putin to abandon “unnecessary demands” as peace negotiations continue amid ongoing conflict.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Norway’s Prime Minister are currently addressing a press conference. You can follow the event live by clicking “Watch Live” at the top of the page.

Earlier, Zelensky stated at a summit of EU leaders that Putin needs to cease making “unnecessary demands” that extend the duration of the war.

Meanwhile, before a “coalition of the willing” meeting involving leading military figures from around 20 countries, Keir Starmer emphasizes the importance for the UK to respond “immediately” should there be a peace agreement.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov has announced that Russian and US officials are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia next Monday.

Conflict persists as Russian strikes overnight resulted in the deaths of two people in Ukraine, while Ukrainian drone attacks injured 10 individuals and ignited a fire at an airfield.

What is the number of casualties in the Ukraine-Russia war? BBC’s Vitaliy Shevchenko discusses why it’s difficult to determine.

The United States’ decision to remove the possibility of NATO membership is considered a significant advantage for Russia.

The next topic is a question regarding NATO membership.

Zelensky describes the removal of NATO membership for Kyiv, as determined by Washington, as a significant advantage for Russia.

NATO consists of 32 member countries spread across Europe and North America, comprising the original 12 founding nations along with an additional 20 that have joined since its inception in 1949.

Russia has consistently resisted the notion of Ukraine joining, due to concerns that it would position NATO forces uncomfortably close to its borders.

However, in 2008, the alliance stated that Ukraine could potentially become a member.

During the news conference in Oslo, Zelensky was questioned about what form a ceasefire might take.

He mentions that the initial recommendation was a ceasefire both on land and at sea, as Ukraine views this as the sole method to halt Russian aggression.

However, following his meeting with the US in Saudi Arabia, he promptly consented to a 30-day ceasefire on land, sea, and air.

Subsequently, the suggestion of a limited ceasefire was proposed.

On Tuesday, during a conversation between Putin and Trump, officials from Moscow and Washington talked about implementing a temporary ceasefire concerning energy facilities.

Ukrainian and U.S. officials are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia next Monday, according to Zelensky. However, this meeting will occur independently from the discussions between Russian and U.S. officials on that same day.