Zelensky insists on European representative in negotiations with Russia

O Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky today called for Europe to appoint a representative for the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which started in Abu Dhabi, under American mediation.

“ In November, and not after that, we need to decide who will represent Europe in the negotiations. It will be better this way, because they will have a mandate,” Zelensky said at a press conference in Copenhagen.

Zelensky's visit to Denmark coincides with the start of tripartite negotiations in Abu Dhabi, the first between Moscow and Kiev in almost nine months.

The Ukrainian leader, who is visiting Denmark until Wednesday, declared himself “satisfied” with the changes in the approach of US mediators.

“I see changes. I'm very pleased with what I hear. We shall see what we can do,” Zelensky told the press in the Danish capital.

Rather, in a lecture at the University of Copenhagen, he urged the American counterpart to resort to another tactic to pressure Russia in negotiations with Ukraine rather than to approach Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

He also asked Trump to use “all his opportunities and power” to find a different way to pressure the Russian President.

Also to the press, Zelensky admitted that a “great” exchange of prisoners between Moscow and Kiev was mentioned during negotiations in Abu Dhabi.

“Today, we discuss the possibility of an exchange (of prisoners of war). I want to make an exchange of 1,000 (prisoners) for 1,000, or even 1,500 for 1,500. Some kind of big trade. It is with this agenda that Americans will go to Russia,” Zelensky said.

Prior to his lecture at the university, Zelensky had a meeting with Frederiksen, which coincided with the announcement of a new Danish military aid package to Ukraine worth about EUR 645 million, including air defense and drones.

“ I think there are still many things we can do, not only for Denmark and Europe, but also for the Voluntary Coalition. Air defense is priority number one”, said Frederiksen in the following lecture, and also highlighted critical infrastructure and energy.

Frederiksen stressed the unity of Europe and the Nordic countries with regard to Ukraine, whose leaders are meeting Zelensky today at a work dinner.

Zelensky will close his visit to Denmark with an audience at the Royal Palace with King Frederick X and a visit to Parliament, where he will deliver a speech.

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, with the argument of protecting the pro-Russian separatist minorities in the east and de-nazifying the neighbouring country, independent since 1991 – after the disintegration of the former Soviet Union – and which has been moving away from Moscow's space of influence and approaching Europe and the West.

At diplomatic level, Russia has so far rejected any prolonged ceasefire and demands, in order to put an end to the conflict, that Ukraine give it at least four regions – Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporijia – in addition to the Crimean peninsula, annexed in 2014, and forever renounce membership of NATO (Organisation of the Atlantic-North Treaty, Western Defence Block).