US strength will stop Russian aggression – Markarova
Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova said that, judging by the latest decisions of the administration, the United States will start negotiations with Russia from a position of strength, CBS News reported on Sunday.
"We really hope that this push from President Trump, the sanctions packages that are on the table and the secondary sanctions that have already been implemented against those who help Russia, will convince President Putin that it is time to finally stop his aggression," Markarova said on the program Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.
When asked by the host to comment on the fact that the meeting in Alaska is planned as a bilateral one and to say whether anything is planned to involve Ukraine in the negotiations, Markarova replied that Ukraine is grateful to President Trump "not only for the fact that he pushing for theending this war," but also for the visit to Europe of US Vice President J.D. Vance, who "conducted negotiations, discussed, held these very constructive meetings with our delegation, as well as with European leaders."
"So, if needed, President Zelenskyy will of course be present at the meetings. We have been very open about this, but we will see how it goes," Markarova added regarding the possibility of the Ukrainian president participating in the meeting in Alaska on Friday.
