Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that he could meet Russia’s Vladimir Putin but only after his country had received security guarantees, and mentioned Switzerland, Austria or Turkey as possible venues. “We want to have an understanding of the security guarantees architecture within 7–10 days. And based on that understanding, we aim to hold a trilateral meeting” also with US President Donald Trump, Zelensky said. “Switzerland, Austria –- we agree… For us, Turkey is a NATO country and part of Europe. And we are not opposed,” he said.

He stressed that he did not want China playing a role in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security, citing Beijing’s alleged support for Moscow. “First, China did not help us stop this war from the start. Second, China assisted Russia by opening its drone market… We do not need guarantors who do not help Ukraine and did not help Ukraine at the time when we really needed it,” Zelensky said. (AFP)