"Zelenskyy open to peace talks, excludes Russia and Belarus as locations – Europe updates"

Zelenskyy Open to Talks but Firm on Positions, Seeks Financial Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is prepared for peace negotiations, though not in Russia or Belarus, while emphasizing that Ukrainian forces would not retreat or surrender territory.

According to reports from Reuters and AFP, Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of sustained financial assistance from Europe to sustain Ukraine’s defense efforts over the next few years. This comes as the EU's proposal to use frozen Russian assets faces delays due to opposition from Belgium.

“I reiterated to all European leaders that while we do not expect to fight indefinitely, we need assurances of stable financial backing for the coming period,” the president said in remarks released earlier today.

The statement coincides with Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever’s planned meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, where the issue is expected to be a key topic. De Wever faces domestic challenges regarding Belgium’s budget draft.

In a separate development, Zelenskyy called on U.S. President Donald Trump to press Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting to reduce Beijing’s assistance to Russia.

“This could be a significant move, particularly if China responds by limiting imports from Russia,” Zelenskyy told reporters.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, considered a possible mediator in future discussions between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed discontent with escalating U.S. pressure on Moscow. Speaking to Italian journalists at the Vatican, Orbán criticized U.S. sanctions on Russian energy firms, warning of potential increases in energy costs.

His stance appears isolated, as Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen welcomed the sanctions, describing them as a firm stance against Putin’s prolonged military campaign.

Further discussions on the matter are expected as Nordic leaders gather in Stockholm, joined by EU representative Ursula von der Leyen, with Ukraine likely to be a central subject.