Zelensky fears "new surprises" in case of Putin, Trump and Xi Jinping meeting

Concern over diplomatic surprises

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera about the possibility of "new surprises" arising from a meeting between Volodymyr Putin, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The head of state emphasised his desire to clarify this situation in advance to avoid unwanted consequences.

«Мені хотілося б прояснити це питання, щоб уникнути нових несподіванок. Справа не лише в тому, чи зустрінуться вони з нами чи без нас: на жаль, Путіна вже поступово виводять з ізоляції. Це не перший подібний крок. Однак, коли йдеться про Україну, ми б хотіли, щоб нас запитали думку. В іншому я нічого не можу сказати, оскільки не знаю, про що піде мова» (I would like to clarify this issue to avoid new surprises. It is not just about whether they will meet with us or without us: unfortunately, Putin is already being gradually brought out of isolation. This is not the first such step. However, when it comes to Ukraine, we would like to be asked for our opinion. Otherwise, I cannot say anything, as I do not know what the conversation will be about), Zelensky noted.

Gradual reduction of the Russian leader's isolation

The President's remarks indicate that Kyiv is paying attention to the process of Volodymyr Putin's gradual exit from diplomatic isolation. Zelensky stressed that similar steps had been taken previously, but he pays particular attention to cases where decisions directly concern Ukraine. In such situations, according to the head of state, the Ukrainian side would like to be consulted.