‘I Don’t Bite’: Zelenskyy Urges Putin to Sit Down for Talks but Not Be ’30 Meters Away’

Ukrainian President 👤Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit down for negotiations.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Zelenskyy said, “What do you want from us? Please leave our land. If you don’t want to leave now, sit down at the table of negotiations. I am free.”

He continued, “Sit down, but not 30 meters away, like with Macron or Scholz. I’m your neighbor. I don’t need to be 30 meters away. I don’t bite. I’m a normal guy, sit down with me and talk. What are you afraid of?”

Watch the video below:

The Ukrainian president’s comment about being “30 meters away” is a reference to the treatment French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz received when they traveled to meet with Putin ahead of the invasion.

Pictures surfaced of the two leaders’ meetings with Putin. In each case, they were seated across a very large table from the Russian leader:

After the invasion began, other pictures showed Putin meeting with Cabinet members and advisers, which also featured long tables.

The use of the long tables is reportedly due to Putin’s concerns about COVID-19 and for social distancing purposes.

Zelenskyy’s comments come a week after 🇷🇺Russia began its invasion of 🇺🇦Ukraine.

Putin claimed the purpose of the invasion was “for the demilitarisation and denazification of 🇺🇦Ukraine.” However, there is no evidence that Nazi views are widespread in 🇺🇦Ukraine, and Zelenskyy is Jewish.

As a stronger than expected resistance has reportedly frustrated 🇷🇺Russia, it has ramped up its assault on 🇺🇦Ukraine and has bombed civilian areas. The strikes have hit a hospital and broadcasting tower, and damaged a Holocaust memorial.

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor for the international criminal court (ICC), announced he would investigate possible war crimes committed by 🇷🇺Russia.

At least 1 million people have fled the country in the face of 🇷🇺Russia’s attack.