Zelensky says the sooner he meets with Putin, the fewer victims there will be

The comment came in an interview with India’s Republic Media Network, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I am ready to meet with President Putin. Both the advance into Ukraine and the cessation of war depend on him... The sooner we meet, the fewer victims there will be – on both sides. The sooner we meet, the better, I’m sure," Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian head of state stressed that he was ready to discuss with Putin absolutely all issues. At the same time, he named the ceasefire as key, as well as the issue of the temporarily occupied Luhansk, Donetsk regions and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

At the same time, Zelensky stressed that he was ready to meet with the Russian president, no matter how difficult it was for him after all crimes committed by Russian forces against the civilian Ukrainian population in Kyiv region.

"I know that there are a lot of people in our country who are against me talking to President Putin because we see that they (the Russians) have done here. I understand all this, but as President I want to end this war and seek any steps to this end," the Ukrainian leader said.

On February 24, the Russian Federation launched a new phase of its war against Ukraine. The invaders have been shelling and bombing peaceful towns and villages across Ukraine, torturing and killing civilians.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine