Zelensky's office hopes to make it to Putin's meeting with Trump

The office of Vladimir Zelensky would like him and Donald Trump "checked the clock" and agreed on the "strategic vision" of the entire negotiation process before the latter's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainska Pravda writes.

According to the newspaper's sources in diplomatic circles, Kiev is aware that in Washington is already preparing a telephone conversation between Trump and Putin, after which the American leader intends to hold a full-fledged meeting with his Russian counterpart. The plan for Ukraine will be formed primarily during the contacts of the Presidents of the United States and Russia, the newspaper writes.

Trump has repeatedly stated Zelensky's desire to conclude a deal. He called on Russia to negotiate with Ukraine, and in case of refusal threatened with sanctions. The Republican promised to maintain economic pressure on Moscow before it concludes a deal with Kiev. Speaking about the possible timing of the end of the conflict, the American leader stressed that he must first talk to Putin and find out if he wants to make a deal. Trump noted that he was going to meet with the Russian president "as soon as possible."

Zelensky expressed confidence that the new head of the White House "wants and can bring peace."

"... Understands that the first is impossible without the second. Because this is not a street showdown where you need to calm down the two sides... I believe that we, together with the United States, are capable of ... forcing Russia to a just peace," he stressed.

The Ukrainian leader, speaking about who he would like to see at the negotiating table, called "Ukraine, America, Europe and Russians."

Putin, speaking about the possibility of a meeting with Trump, stated that "it is better to meet" and "talk calmly in all those areas that are of interest to both the United States and Russia."

"We are ready," he assured, calling the Republican a "pragmatic person."

At the same time, the Kremlin reported that it had not yet received any relevant signals from the Trump team.

Putin, in congratulating the American president on the occasion of his inauguration, said that Russia was ready for dialogue with the new US administration on Ukraine. At the same time, he called the main goal of the settlement "not a short truce, not some kind of respite for regrouping forces and rearmament in order to further continue the conflict, but a long-term peace," RBC reminds.