President Zelensky Assures: Russia Expected a Major Scandal in London, but Negotiations Turned Out to Be Constructive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refuted, in his own words, the widespread information among Western analysts and the global community about possible conflicts and tensions during the recent meeting in London on April 23. According to him, on the contrary, the negotiation process was quite productive and demonstrated a desire to find common solutions, which he conveyed in statements addressed both to the Ukrainian people and international partners. In his speech at the joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on April 24, Zelensky noted that the Russian Federation had an illusion about a possible large-scale escalation of the conflict at the level of diplomatic debates in London. However, their pursuit of compromises and the positive results overturned these expectations. He emphasized that the meetings were intense and tense, but overall, their outcome was a testament to the willingness of all parties to continue cooperation and seek peace mechanisms. According to the Ukrainian leader, “yesterday in London, a meeting took place involving representatives of leading European countries – Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, as well as the USA.” Speaking at the press conference, Zelensky did not hide that these discussions were tense and even emotional, but instead highlighted that the result was not an escalation of the conflict, but a focus on further collaboration. The main message from the president was that any surge of confrontation was an attempt by Russia to stir up tensions and sow chaos in diplomatic circles. Zelensky added that “the Russian Federation is very unhappy with the existence of a unified front regarding Ukraine because it complicates their plans to weaken our state. They have been trying for years to destabilize the situation, but Ukrainians and their international partners demonstrate integrity and resilience.” He also noted that “even in the most difficult times of this war, Ukraine remained and remains one of the strongest in its fight for freedom.” Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine not only withstood the initial blows when the situation seemed hopeless but also grew much stronger each month. “We survived the darkest times, and now, with considerable experience and international support, we want even more — the end of this war, and we can say that we will do everything possible to achieve it,” he added, expressing confidence that victory will belong to Ukraine. The background to this important event includes high-level diplomatic meetings held on April 23 in London. Top officials, including foreign ministers, diplomatic corps, and representatives of allied countries gathered to discuss a peace plan aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. The focus of the discussions was on immediate steps, strategic goals, and possible measures for restoring peace — an important step in the diplomatic process that evolved into involving several key players from global politics. Thus, despite earlier fears, the results of the London negotiations indicate a desire among the parties for dialogue and compromise, offering hope for a gradual resolution of the conflict and the restoration of peace in Ukraine. Zelensky assures that Ukraine will continue working towards this goal, overcoming all obstacles on the path to stability and security for its people and all of Europe.