Are leaks disrupting Zelensky's plans? "Disappointment" reportedly follows
Volodymyr Zelensky had planned a visit to Israel, but now the trip is reportedly in question, allegedly due to information leaks.
11:21 AM EST, November 5, 2023
Indeed, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, planned a trip to Israel next week. However, these plans are now uncertain due to a leak to the Israeli news Channel 12, claims a Ukranian diplomat, as reported by "The Times of Israel".
Zelensky is said to be "very disappointed". Neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Zelensky have visited each other's countries since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
In mid-October, the same newspaper reported that Israel had declined a request from Ukraine to allow an official visit by Zelensky. Zelensky had asked for a visit to show solidarity after the Hamas attack on Israel. He was reportedly told that "the right time hadn't come yet."
Zelensky addresses the reports about potential peace talks with Russia
The Ukrainian leader reassured in a Saturday joint press conference with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, of his country's commitment to continue reforms which include bolstering the fight against corruption. Simultaneously, Zelensky categorically ruled out negotiations with Russia.
- There's no chance we are sitting down with Russia and conceding anything at this moment - Zelensky announced.
Zelensky refuted claims that Western allies were pressurizing him to commence negotiations with Moscow. - That was the situation at the start of the conflict and even before it. Today, none of the leaders from the EU or the United States is exerting any pressure - he asserted.
While addressing a statement by Gen. Valeriy Zaluzhny, the supreme commander of the Ukrainian army, made to "The Economist", he rejected the notion of a current stalemate at the front. - Russia controls the skies. We are safeguarding our soldiers - he emphasized.
Stay updated with the Ukraine crisis via our live coverage
NBC News reported on Saturday, citing American officials, that representatives from the United States and the European Union have quietly started discussions with Ukraine about the potential for peace negotiations with Russia. The discussions would broadly touch upon what Ukraine might have to relinquish to strike a deal with Russia.
