By Salma El-Sakka
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that a phone call between Finnish and Norwegian leaders with Russian President Vladimir Putin was coordinated with Kyiv, calling it the right approach to engagement.
Coordinated diplomatic effort
Speaking in Helsinki alongside his Finnish and Norwegian counterparts, Sybiha said Ukraine welcomes active support for its diplomatic efforts and peace process. He reiterated Ukraine's desire to end the war, noting it has doable proposals and is ready for partial ceasefires and a full end to hostilities, provided steps are fair and not one-sided.
Seeking new momentum
Sybiha said Ukraine is looking for "a new momentum" in peace talks with Russia and wants to define a new role for Europe in peace efforts. He added that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared his vision on signals to convey to Putin, and that a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin may be the only way to achieve a new quality in talks.
Ready for trilateral meeting
The minister said negotiators can only discuss up to a certain level, but key decisions require heads of state. He confirmed Kyiv is ready for a trilateral meeting in the United Arab Emirates next month and will use every opportunity to bring peace closer.
Limited ceasefire welcomed
Sybiha welcomed a limited ceasefire in Oleshky as a confidence-building measure that could pave the way for further steps, but acknowledged the reality on the ground remains very tough due to relentless Russian strikes.
