The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskystated this Tuesday that he is ready to deal with donald trump the most complex points of the peace plan promoted by the United States, a draft that includes territorial concessions and has generated tensions within kyiv and among its European allies.
The Ukrainian president’s statement came at a virtual meeting of the Volunteer Coalitionmade up of governments that coordinate military and political assistance for Ukraine from 2022.
Zelensky noted that his country must participate in all discussions that define its security.
“Decisions on Ukraine must include Ukraine“he said, adding that any initiative to stop the war must also have the support of European governments. For the Ukrainian president, the key is to avoid negotiations that exclude the affected population.
“When something is decided behind a country’s back, there is always the risk that it will not work.“, said.
The president supported the framework discussed in Geneva by the European partners and assured that he is willing to work with Washington to adjust the still pending proposals.
“The document is on the table and we are ready to move forward with the United States, with the personal commitment of President Trump, and with Europe”, he noted.
The Ukrainian president asked allied countries to keep their attention on the current military situation. He recalled that the russian attacks They continue and that the offensive shows no signs of stopping.
“War is not an episode of the past. It happens every day and takes Ukrainian lives“he stated. He also assured that international support remains necessary to sustain the air defense, maintain the lines on the front and ensure the country’s resilience. For kyiv, the end of the conflict will only be credible if Moscow takes concrete steps towards demobilization.
The French president, Emmanuel Macronpublicly supported the need for an agreement that guarantees that Ukraine retains a defense apparatus capable of deterring new attacks.
“It is necessary to have a strong Ukrainian Army. The talks in Geneva have shown that there should be no limitations“, said.
According to Macron, Russia has shown no intention to negotiate a ceasefire. “The reality on the ground is the opposite of a desire for peace“, he stated, after denouncing bombings against civilian infrastructure.
Macron also defended that frozen russian assets in Europe they must serve as a tool to secure funds for Ukraine. He explained that the European Union is working on a formula that allows these resources to be used without losing pressure.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmerexpressed his support for the progress made in the negotiations.
“We all want a permanent end to barbarism in Ukraine“He stated. He added that the draft plan must reflect kyiv’s interests and lay the foundation for lasting peace. Starmer assured that most of the draft already has consensus among the participating governments.
From Brussels, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyendescribed the progress as “solid and encouraging.” He stressed the importance of transatlantic coordination and criticized the intensification of Russian attacks, including those that violated the airspace of Moldova and Romania.
He noted that economic sanctions have reduced Moscow’s ability to sustain the offensive and that the pressure will continue.
As European leaders articulated their position, Trump announced in the United States the sending two representatives to meet separately with the parties. The special envoy, Steve Witkoffwill meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow; and the Secretary of the Army, Dan Driscollwill do so with Ukrainian officials.
According to Trump, both will report progress to their national security team, made up of the vice president. J.D. VanceSecretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his chief of staff, Susie Wiles.
The American president stated that he hopes to meet with Zelensky and Putin, but only when the agreement is practically closed. He said his team ““He has made tremendous progress.” and that the 28-point draft is almost complete, except for “a few points of disagreement.”
Washington and kyiv are trying to resolve differences on sensitive aspects, such as the possible transfer of territory in the Donbas and limits on the size of the Ukrainian Army, two elements that generate strong resistance in Eastern Europe and within the Ukrainian government itself.
Zelensky held telephone conversations with Starmer and the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz. Both reiterated their political and military support for Ukraine. Merz assured that Germany has been one of the main providers of assistance since the beginning of the invasion and that it will continue to be involved in any process that seeks a stable solution to the conflict.
(With information from EFE and Reuters)
