Russia: Zelensky's Proposal for Peace Talks Without Moscow is Ridiculous

The Kremlin stated on Monday that the ideas proposed by Ukraine regarding conducting peace talks without Russia are amusing. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed reaching a peace plan prepared with international partners in Switzerland but without Russia. Andrei Yermak, head of Zelensky's office, mentioned on Sunday that plans might later be presented to Russia at the Switzerland summit. He added, "There may be a situation where we jointly invite representatives of the Russian Federation to present the plan to them if those representing the aggressor state at that time truly want to end this war and return to a just peace." After two years since the onset of the war, Russia controls just under one-fifth of internationally recognized Ukrainian territory. Moscow has repeatedly stated that it is open to talks, but the "new realities on the ground" must be acknowledged. Meanwhile, Ukraine demands the restoration of its territorial integrity and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops.