Zelensky: Putin is not interested in ending the war, but in ending his isolation

(Patria) - Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in negotiations to end the war, but wants to hold talks with foreign leaders to end his international isolation.

This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after a telephone conversation between Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

- I think Putin does not want peace at all, but that does not mean he does not want to sit down with some leaders. Because for him, political isolation means destruction. It is quite profitable for him to sit down, talk and disagree.

He cannot travel, and negotiating would mean he could go somewhere. That would be the end of his isolation - Zelensky said in a radio interview broadcast yesterday.

He added that Ukraine must end the conflict as soon as possible and acknowledged that the situation on the battlefield in the east, where Russia is gradually advancing, is difficult for the outnumbered and less armed Ukrainian army, reported the Ukrainian Service of Radio Free Europe.

- On our part, we must do everything to end this war next year, through diplomatic means - Zelensky emphasized.

He added that he wants to speak directly with the newly elected US President Donald Trump, not through intermediaries, but that this is not allowed under US laws before Trump's inauguration.

- As the President of Ukraine, I will only take seriously a conversation with the US President - Zelensky stated.