Zelensky-Putin meeting possible, but only after the expected battle for Donbas, says Ukrainian official

A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin could take place only after the planned major battle for the eastern Donbas region.

This was announced by the Ukrainian presidential adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, who said that Ukraine is ready for big battles, and should win them, especially in the Donbas.

“And after that, Ukraine will take a stronger negotiating position, from which it can dictate some conditions. After that, the presidents will meet. “This could take two or three weeks,” Podolyak said.

Ukrainian officials have said they anticipate a major offensive in Donbas by Russia, which has announced a change in military strategy focusing on the east of the country.