Zelenskyy Warns Putin Peace Pledge May Be “Political Trick”
Speaking to a Ukrainian broadcaster, Zelenskyy said Moscow’s real intentions would be revealed by its conduct and its willingness to strike deals. Trilateral talks planned for November, he said, will show whether Putin’s position is a “trick.”
Kyiv is prepared to take part in trilateral discussions between technical groups next month, Zelenskyy said, but he insisted the talks must yield tangible outcomes.
Should a comprehensive settlement prove out of reach, he said he has put forward alternatives: an energy ceasefire, deals on maritime security and grain shipments, an all-for-all prisoner swap, or a summit of the Ukrainian, US and Russian leaders.
“Energy, grain, people -- these are concrete things, while a meeting at the level of leaders is an opportunity to have something concrete after our trilateral. This is what we are asking for and proposing,” he said.
Territory, however, is off the table for technical negotiators. Zelenskyy said that issue can be addressed only by leaders and called it a “red line.” He also rejected any limits on Ukraine’s armed forces and any demand that the country stay neutral.
“We are not exchanging anything for anything. We are ready for discussions,” he said, adding that other matters could be handled by technical groups.
Zelenskyy said he does not want Ukraine to sit down at a leaders’ meeting once sanctions on Moscow have been lifted.
“I do not want us to find ourselves at a meeting with Putin without tools -- without sanctions, without money, or without frozen assets. Because then, as Mr. Trump said, we really would not have too many cards in our deck,” he said.
Zelenskyy also addressed a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, a Ukrainian city under Russian control, brokered by US first lady Melania Trump. He said Washington proposed a truce beginning Oct. 27 and lasting several days so humanitarian teams can reach the area.
Russian forces would have to clear mined roads to open access, he said, voicing concern that Moscow might steer evacuees toward Russian-held territory instead of letting them leave freely.
“Of course, Russia will do everything to demine the roads in such a way that these people go to Russia and stay there. They are not going to simply set people free,” he said.
Some civilians will be evacuated to Ukrainian-controlled territory, he added, stressing that the priority is lifting the blockade and ensuring residents can live in safety.
“Ideally, they should be able to achieve their goal and evacuate here, to us, to Ukraine, which will provide them with everything they need and support them,” he said.
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