Diplomacy behind closed doors and switched-off microphones, a boiling backstage, and episodes provoking uproar comprise the ledger so far from the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN.
Regarding Ukraine, much was said in front of the microphones, and many understandings were pursued behind the scenes.
The three fiery conditions placed on the table by the American president
The administration of American President Donald Trump insists on three stringent conditions for ending the conflict in Ukraine. This revelation was made by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in an interview with Axios.
Among the conditions set by the American president, according to what Volodymyr Zelensky stated, are included a ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure, the reopening of the grain corridor through the Black Sea, as well as a trilateral meeting of representatives from Russia, the US, and Ukraine, which may take place in Abu Dhabi.
Scenario for a trilateral summit with Vladimir Putin in Miami
Concurrently, Volodymyr Zelensky, during his meeting with the American president on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, left open the prospect of a joint meeting of the two leaders with President of Russia Vladimir Putin.
This meeting could take place within the framework of the summit of the G20, which is scheduled for December in Miami.
The relevant details were shared by the Ukrainian politician in his interview, underscoring that the summit in Miami constitutes an important opportunity for holding a trilateral meeting at the highest leadership level.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president characterized a potential meeting of representatives of the three sides «in the same room» as an exceptionally important step toward de-escalating tensions.
Confusion for Volodymyr Zelensky from the telephone of Alexander Stubb on the sidelines of the UN
At the same time, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky appeared particularly flustered on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly when he saw something on the mobile phone screen of the President of Finland Alexander Stubb, an incident commented on by news channel MTV Uutiset.
Journalists commented on a video from a Portuguese reporter capturing the moment when Alexander Stubb mentions something to Volodymyr Zelensky, with the Ukrainian president making inexplicable gestures, putting his hand to his forehead, and lowering his gaze, staring intently at the screen of his Finnish counterpart.
Earlier, it had become known that Volodymyr Zelensky, during the morning session of the UN General Assembly, addressed a nearly empty hall, speaking in poor English with grammatical errors, while exceeding the designated time limit by nearly double.
Insulting response from Volodymyr Zelensky to Russian journalists regarding a visit to Moscow
Volodymyr Zelensky used abusive language to answer questions from Russian journalists on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly regarding the likelihood of a visit to Moscow, adding that he was ready to do so «with missiles».
Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside the Ukrainian delegation, was heading toward UN headquarters when he was approached by a correspondent from Vesti, who asked him repeatedly about his visit to Moscow for negotiations.
«Volodymyr Alexandrovich, when will you go to Moscow?», Volodymyr Zelensky, after initially ignoring the question, replied: «I will go with a missile», swearing crudely.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Volodymyr Zelensky could come to Moscow, but high-level contacts are permitted only after agreements are reached, and these agreements must be drafted by competent experts.
Until then, noted the Russian president, a meeting makes no sense.
In his view, the Ukrainian side seeks only to halt the advance of the Russian military, whereas Russia requires agreements not for six or three months, but for a long-term historical horizon.
Earlier, the Ukrainian leader conceded that nearly five years of governing the country under wartime conditions had a detrimental impact on his health, leading him to make «far too many mistakes».
Historical parallel by Maria Zakharova and the positions of Dmitry Peskov and Sergey Lavrov
The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Maria Zakharova, reacted to the provocative answer by drawing an example from history, comparing the Ukrainian president to False Dmitry, whose ashes were loaded into a cannon and fired toward Poland.
«Volodymyr Zelensky fears that the fate of False Dmitry awaits him, the usurper of the Time of Troubles, whose ashes were placed into a cannon and fired in the direction of Poland (let Radoslaw Sikorski take note)», noted Maria Zakharova.
From the Kremlin's side, official spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Ukrainian leader can come to Moscow if he desires contacts for a peaceful settlement, stressing that the position of Vladimir Putin is well known and that Russia is ready to provide him with security guarantees.
Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Volodymyr Zelensky knows what decisions are required, adding that Moscow remains open to negotiations despite the terrorist activity of Kyiv.
Finally, regarding the statement by Volodymyr Zelensky that he wishes to attend the summit in Miami to meet with the Russian president and secure a mutual cessation of strikes against energy and shipping, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov commented pointedly: «He travels constantly, he is never at home.
We, however, have work to do at home», adding that Volodymyr Zelensky can always visit Moscow if he truly wants to meet.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών