Zelensky: Ukraine prepared to discuss status approval

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given a 90-minute interview for Russian independent media.

In the interview, Zelensky says that as part of a peace agreement with Russia, Ukraine is prepared to discuss the adoption of a neutral status, but it will have to be guaranteed by third parties and decided in a referendum, Reuters reports.

Security and neutrality, non-substantiation status of our state. We're ready to go for it. This is the most important point,” he said in a video phone call.

Ukrainian leader, speaking in Russian all the time, adds that the Russian invasion has caused the destruction of Russian-speaking cities in Ukraine.

Using Russian language in Ukraine is something that has been discussed during peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, reportedly has declared Zelensky, according to Reuters. But he adds that Ukraine has refused to discuss other Russian demands, such as the demilitarisation of Ukraine.

Earlier, the Russian media overseer, Roskomnadzor, issued a statement Sunday warning Russian media against retransmitting or distributing an interview between President Zelensky and a group of independent Russian journalists.

The “media organs conducting the interviews will be subject to review to determine the degree of responsibility and the proper response that must be received”, Roskomnadzor said.

The interview, posted on Zelensky's Telegram channel, presented questions by some of Russia's independent journalists, including author Mikhail Zygar and Tikho Dzyadko, editor-in-chief of the recently closed TV channel Rain.

“Russia must know the truth”, Zelensky said. Russian journalists from the Zygar YouTube channel, TV Rain, Medusa portal and Kommersant and Novaya Journal received answers to all questions.