Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that such negotiations could be essential in securing peace for Ukraine. Zelensky stated that if sitting directly with Putin is the only viable path to achieving peace and preventing further loss of life, he is prepared to pursue it.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in significant casualties. Zelensky reported that the war, now approaching its third year, has claimed the lives of 45,100 Ukrainian soldiers, with 390,000 wounded. The Ukrainian President also mentioned that approximately 350,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, with an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 wounded in the conflict.
In late January, Russian President Putin indicated his openness to negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict but rejected the idea of direct talks with Zelensky. Putin suggested that if the Ukrainian leader wished to participate in negotiations, he would appoint representatives to engage in the discussions.