Walker Advised Zelensky to Establish a Direct Relationship with Putin

U.S. State Department Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Walker when asked in an interview with Gordon about the negotiations in the Normandy format, advised President Volodymyr Zelensky to establish personal contacts with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. According to Mr. Walker, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and U.S. President Donald Trump are not opposed to Ukraine, but the direct connection between Moscow and Kyiv also has its advantages. “I really see potential benefits in direct contact with Russia. I do not think that it should be exceptional. Normandy format is also suitable. Bilateral U.S.-Russian relations also play a role. However, the recent exchange of prisoners occurred as a result of direct contact between President Putin and President Zelensky. They delegated this issue to their assistants, and a solution to the problem became possible,” - said Kurt Walker. The Special Representative described Mr. Putin as an intelligent person, a good strategist and a very effective leader. Mr. Walker added that the United States wants to solve problems with Russia in terms of violating the INF Treaty, invading Syria, and also seizing the territories of Ukraine or Georgia, but they do not see Moscow’s reciprocal desire. At the same time, Mr. Trump, according to the Special Representative, considers it possible to solve problems “through discussion, not clashes.” On September 7, between Ukraine and Russia there was an exchange of prisoners in the 35-for-35 format. In particular, director Oleg Sentsov and sailors detained in the Kerch Strait in 2018 returned to Ukraine, and RIA Novosti portal head Kirill Vyshinsky and former anti-aircraft gunner Vladimir Tsemakh, whom the Netherlands consider involved in the crash of the Malaysian Boeing over Donbass in 2014, returned to Russia. Mr. Zelensky said that he and his Russian counterpart “did everything they promised,” and now we can talk about a new meeting in the Normandy format. Later, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko announced the active preparation of a new exchange of prisoners with Russia. Kommersant