Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highly praised Israel's role in arranging negotiations with Russia to reduce tensions.
In a video address to the Israeli parliament on March 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had tried to act as a mediator between Ukraine and Russia to reduce tensions.
"Of course, Israel has its own interests, strategies to protect its citizens. We understand all of that," Mr. Zelensky said.
"Israel Prime Minister Mr. Bennett is trying to find a way to hold talks. And we appreciate this very much. We appreciate his efforts, that sooner or later we will start negotiations. with Russia, maybe in Jerusalem. That's the right place to look for peace," Zelensky added.
Israel plays an important role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Israel has opposed Russia's military campaign in Ukraine, but is also wary of stoking tensions with Moscow.
Besides the negotiation proposal, President Zelensky also called on Israel to provide weapons, especially the Iron Dome missile defense system, to Ukraine. "Israel's missile defense system is the best and Israel can certainly help the Ukrainian people," Zelensky said.
In recent weeks, Prime Minister Bennett has stepped up efforts to bring Russia and Ukraine closer together. The Israeli leader spoke several times with both Ukrainian President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Last week, he secretly flew to Moscow to meet the Kremlin leader.
In a phone call with the Israeli Prime Minister on March 2, President Putin clearly stated Russia's position on the necessary conditions to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. These conditions include unconditional consideration of Russia's security interests, the demilitarization of Ukraine and the guarantee of Ukraine's neutrality, non-nuclear possessions, and recognition of Russia's sovereignty over the sale of goods. Crimea as well as recognition of the independence of two breakaway regions Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine.
In an interview with US media on March 20, President Zelensky stated that he was "ready to negotiate" with President Putin.
"I think without negotiations we cannot end this war," Zelensky said.
According to Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian president and head of the Russian delegation, the leaders of the two countries can meet only if the respective governments approve a peace treaty. Medinsky stated that Moscow's goal in negotiations with Kiev remains unchanged: Russia wants to see a peaceful, free, neutral and independent Ukraine.
Ukraine's presidential aide, Mikhail Podolyak, said last week that Zelensky could meet with President Putin "in the coming weeks", but only on condition that a peace treaty between Moscow and Kiev is ready. Mr. Podolyak said that Ukraine's main demands included a "ceasefire, troop withdrawal and political agreement regarding disputed territories".
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