Ukraine: Zelensky says will only speak directly to Russia's Vladimir Putin

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said if Russian leader Vladimir Putin 'understands reality' there was the possibility of a diplomatic way out of the conflict.
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Volodymyr Zelensky was speaking to an audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos [FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that he was only willing to talk directly to Russian President Vladimir Putin and not via intermediators.

He added that if Russia's leader "understands reality" there was the possibility of finding a diplomatic way out of the conflict.

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Zelensky, speaking to an audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, also said that Ukraine would fight until it recovered all of its territory.

The Ukrainian President said that Moscow should withdraw its troops back to the lines in place before Russia began its invasion on 24 February.

"That might be a first step towards talks," he said, adding that Russia has been playing for time in its talks with Ukraine.

Moscow's brutal assault on its neighbour has been widely condemned by the international community and has led to heavy sanctions against it.

(Reuters)