Volodymyr Zelenskyexploded in fury at US-brokered peace talks on Wednesday, declaring: “We don’t have time for this s***” after talks aimed at ending theRussia-Ukraine warthreatened to hit a brick wall. The Ukrainian President’s patience snapped during the Geneva summit, highlighting the massive friction as Kyiv and Moscow struggle to find common ground.
Speaking to Axios, Ukrainian President Mr Zelensky criticised Vladimir Medinsky, a close adviser toVladimir Putinnow leading theRussianteam, for dwelling on historical arguments. Mr Zelensky said: “We don’t have time for all this sh*t. So we have to decide, and have to finish the war.”
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We are working together with the team to bring real peace closer. The priority is security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian representatives have clear directives on every aspect of the negotiations. I expect a detailed report following all the meetings.pic.twitter.com/PCQpQwrnYO
The outburst comes amid the third round of direct negotiations organised by the US, following earlier meetings in Abu Dhabi. Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv are working across political and military tracks to clarify parameters for potential agreements. Rustem Umerov, head of the Ukrainian delegation, wrote on X that consultations are “taking place in working groups by areas within the political and military tracks” and aim to refine decisions discussed the previous day.
While diplomacy continues, fighting rages.Ukrainereported that overnightRussiafired one ballistic missile and 126 long-range drones at Ukrainian territory. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone strike killed a woman and injured seven, including two children, regional officials said.
Mr Zelensky also criticisedDonald Trumpfor publicly urging Ukraine to make concessions, calling it “not fair” and warning that peace “cannot be built by effectively giving victory to Putin.”
He thanked Trump for behind-the-scenes efforts via Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, but insisted Kyiv does not bow easily to pressure. Mr Zelensky said: “We respect each other. I am not such a person who easily gives in to pressure.”
The talks highlight a stark impasse. Moscow demands that Ukraine renounce NATO membership, sharply reduce its military, protect Russian language and culture, and withdraw forces from four occupied regions. Kyiv refuses to surrender territory, insisting on sovereignty and national integrity. Mr Zelensky has offered a ceasefire and a personal meeting with Putin, but Russia wants a comprehensive agreement before pausing hostilities.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
