Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday referred to as for a brand new spherical of peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Nonetheless, ought to they fail to materialize, the Ukrainian chief warned of dire international penalties.

"I am prepared for negotiations with him," Zelensky stated throughout an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria. "I used to be prepared for the final two years. And I believe that with out negotiations we can't finish this warfare."

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been ongoing for the previous three weeks, with a number of rounds of peace talks between high-ranking diplomats failing to succeed in a decision.

"I believe that we've got to make use of any format, any probability so as to have a risk of negotiating, risk of speaking to Putin," he continued. "But when these makes an attempt fail, that will imply that it is a third World Struggle."

volodymyr zelensky ukraine peace talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, seen above, warned on Sunday that World Struggle III might be on the horizon with out a new rounds of peace talks with Russia.Laurent Van der Stockt for Le Monde/Getty Photos

On Saturday, the Ukrainian president launched a video assertion on Fb during which he additionally pleaded for quick talks with Russia.

"We've got all the time insisted on negotiations," he stated. "We've got all the time provided dialogue, provided options for peace. And I would like everybody to listen to me now, particularly in Moscow. It is time to meet. Time to speak. It's time to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine."

As of March 13, Newsweek reported that the fourth spherical of peace talks between the 2 nations had stalled out, with the potential of resumption by Tuesday. Simply two days prior, Putin claimed on March 11 that there had been "optimistic" progress from peace talks, however however, the Russian navy continued to bombard Ukraine and its main cities.

On Tuesday, a senior adviser to Zelensky instructed the Monetary Instances that whereas an settlement on a 15-point plan between Russia and Ukraine was taking form, it consisted solely of Russian calls for. Among the many factors within the checklist have been that Ukraine retracts its calls to affix NATO, declares neutrality, and, crucially for Russia, by no means permits navy bases or weapons from Western allies just like the U.S. to be positioned inside its borders.

Whereas talking with the CNN host, Zelensky famous that NATO membership could be a major boon for Ukraine, and may need helped keep away from battle with Russia altogether, regardless of implying final week that his nation could by no means be part of the group.

"I might wish to obtain safety ensures for my nation, for my folks," Zelensky stated. "If NATO members are able to see us within the alliance, then do it instantly. As a result of individuals are dying each day."