Zelensky slams Russia’s deal, negotiators
(MENAFN) Ukrainian Leader Vladimir Zelensky sharply criticized the Russian delegation involved in peace discussions, dismissing a recent proposal from Moscow to pause hostilities temporarily so that both sides could recover the remains of deceased soldiers.
During face-to-face negotiations held in Türkiye on Monday, the Russian delegation put forward an idea for a brief truce in certain zones along the conflict's front lines. The head of that delegation suggested that this pause would allow for the retrieval and dignified burial of those killed in the fighting. “We want to create the conditions for the bodies to be collected and handed over for Christian burial,” the official said, emphasizing that such a move could reduce the risk of disease and show respect for the dead.
Zelensky, however, expressed frustration at this offer during a press conference with both domestic and international media, reiterating that a meaningful ceasefire should focus on preserving life, not just managing the aftermath of loss. “They [the Russians] are ready for a ceasefire for two to three days to pick up the dead from the battlefield. I think they are idiots,” he stated bluntly.
According to statements made by the Russian side, they have already made efforts to return the remains of approximately 6,000 Ukrainian service members. They claimed to have conducted identification procedures, including DNA analysis, to verify the identities of the fallen. “We have identified all who we could, held DNA tests, and found out who they are,” the official added.
Zelensky dismissed the significance of the Russian representative, describing him as a minor figure lacking a full understanding of operational matters. He asserted that body exchanges already happen informally between troops on both sides, without any need for official talks or truces. “It just happens,” he explained.
This sharp exchange underscores the growing frustration within the Ukrainian leadership regarding the nature and sincerity of Moscow's negotiation tactics, as efforts to find lasting peace remain stalled.
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