Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said today in an interview with British television journalist Piers Morgan that he would agree to direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the almost 3-year-long war between the two countries, Agence France-Presse reported, quoted by BTA.
When asked how he would feel if he sat down opposite Putin at the negotiating table, Zelensky replied: "If this is the only move with which we can bring peace to the citizens of Ukraine and not lose more people, we will definitely agree to this move". The Ukrainian leader added that he would like other "participants" to attend.
In the interview with the British journalist, uploaded to the "YouTube" platform, Zelensky also said that offering sanctions relief for Russia would increase the risk of a second invasion, Reuters reported.
"If sanctions on Russia are lifted, I believe that this will increase the risk of a second invasion," the Ukrainian president said in the interview.
Zelensky reported that Ukraine's casualties in the nearly 3-year-old war with Russia are 45,100 people, and the number of wounded is 390,000.
According to the Ukrainian president, Russian casualties are about 350,000 people, and the wounded - from 600,000 to 700,000 people. Zelensky also said that there are "many" servicemen in the ranks of the Russian forces who are listed as missing in action.