Ukraine was ready to receive a plane carrying American negotiators, despite the enemy’s strikes the day before on airport infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this in an audio comment to journalists.
Both airports could be used: Boryspil and Zhulyany. Russia, to underscore the lack of security in Ukraine, attacked the runways at both airports.
“And, you know, there is video confirmation: they struck with a drone. But, nevertheless, everything was working. Technically, our airports are ready to receive the delegation,” the president said, adding that the only issue is a security corridor from Russia.
There was also the option of flying to Belarus and travelling from Homel to Ukraine. This format was worked through. However, the United States chose to travel by train.
“The train was very well liked by the entire American delegation. We agreed with Steve and Jared that the first thing is they will come again. It is important not to take long pauses,” the president said, stressing that a balance is needed in visits to Russia and Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that the Americans’ next visit could take place by plane. The American aircraft could be left in Poland or another country, and from there they would be picked up by the Ukrainian president’s aircraft.