Zelensky Calls Russian Negotiators "Idiots"
Tjeckiens nationalbibliotek, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Volodymyr Zelensky has lashed out at the Russian delegation involved in the Istanbul talks, rejecting Moscow’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire to recover the bodies of fallen soldiers.
After the second round of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv held in Turkey on Monday, the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, suggested a short-term ceasefire along several front-line areas.
“We want to create conditions for the collection and transfer of bodies for Christian burial,” Medinsky said. He added that this would help prevent disease outbreaks and facilitate a dignified recovery of the dead.
Zelensky dismissed the idea during a press briefing with Ukrainian and foreign journalists, reiterating his demand for a longer ceasefire.
“They [the Russians] are ready for a ceasefire of two to three days to pick up the dead from the battlefield. I think they are idiots,” Zelensky said, arguing that any ceasefire should aim to save lives, not just recover bodies.
According to Medinsky, Russia has already committed to unilaterally transferring the remains of 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers and officers. “We have identified all we could, conducted DNA tests, and found out who they are,” the Russian presidential aide stated.
Zelensky downplayed Medinsky’s position, calling him a low-ranking official who “doesn’t even understand technical matters.” He claimed these exchanges already happen informally between Ukrainian and Russian units without formal agreements or ceasefires. “It just happens,” he said.
He also urged the United States to impose stricter sanctions on Moscow to pressure the country to accept Kyiv’s demands.
Ukraine has demanded a full ceasefire of at least 30 days as a prerequisite for any concrete peace talks. This condition is reportedly included in draft proposals submitted during the negotiations, according to Reuters. Russia has rejected the idea, warning that a pause would only allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and prepare for renewed hostilities.
Zelensky has a history of insulting comments toward the Russian negotiation team. Ahead of the first round of talks in May, he described them as “theatrical props,” a remark condemned by Moscow.
rt.ru 2/5-25