Zelensky ready to discuss with Putin issues of temporarily occupied territories even at first meeting

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is ready to discuss with Russian President Vladimir Putin the issues of temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk, Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea even at the first meeting, but he doubts that such a dialogue can be effective.

Zelensky said this in an interview with representatives of public broadcasters, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"Even at the first meeting with the president of Russia, I am ready to raise these issues about the occupied territories. They are relevant to us and very important. However, I am sure that this decision will be made not at this meeting,” the President of Ukraine said.

In addition, Zelensky said that without a personal meeting with Putin, it would be impossible to understand what the Russian Federation is ready to do to stop the war, as well as what it is ready for if Ukraine is not ready to compromise.

Earlier, the President of Ukraine said that formats of compromises in Ukraine–Russia negotiations will be decided on all-Ukrainian referendum. In particular, security guarantees and the status of temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea may be put to a vote.

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