Leaders' summit to end Ukraine war: Talks of ceasefire and hope
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press briefing in Kyiv, revealed that talks are underway concerning the organization of a meeting of leaders from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries, and the United Kingdom. The aim of this meeting is to end the war between Moscow and Ukraine.
What do you need to know?
- Meeting of leaders: Ukraine and its partners plan to organize a meeting of leaders from Ukraine, Russia, the USA, the EU, and the UK to end the war with Russia.
- Possible locations: Turkey, the Vatican, or Switzerland are being considered as potential meeting venues.
- Memorandum and ceasefire: The signing of a memorandum is planned, which could lead to a ceasefire and the end of the conflict.
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, during a press briefing in Kyiv, reiterated that talks are underway concerning the organization of a meeting of leaders from Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries, and the United Kingdom. The goal is to end the war between Moscow and Ukraine.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is prepared for direct talks with Russia in any format that yields results.
"I confirmed that Ukraine is ready for direct talks with Russia in any format that yields results. Turkey, the Vatican, Switzerland - we are considering all possible platforms. Ukraine does not need to be convinced of this, and our representatives are ready to make real decisions in negotiations. We need to ensure that Russia is equally ready for such productive negotiations", Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Memorandum and ceasefire
The Ukrainian president noted that it is possible to sign a memorandum between Russia and Ukraine, which could lead to an agreement ending the war.
"In a bilateral format, there could be a memorandum, which may then lead to a roadmap to end the war. That means reaching an agreement. We are talking about a memorandum that will be supported by both countries, which also includes a ceasefire," Zelensky emphasized.
Zelensky also expressed his stance regarding the withdrawal of troops from Ukrainian territories. "No one will withdraw our troops from our territories, it's a constitutional obligation—mine and our military's. No ultimatums, no one will give up their lands, their people, their homes. I don’t know what the rules of the memorandum are, but if Russia sets conditions for the withdrawal of our troops from our land, it means they do not want to end the war. Because they understand that Ukraine will not do this", he declared.
The role of the USA and sanctions
President Zelensky highlighted the importance of the United States' involvement in the negotiation process. "For all of us, it is very important that the United States does not distance itself from negotiations and peace, as the only one interested in this is Putin," he added.
Zelensky also noted that cooperation with the USA on sanctions is crucial. "As for the American sanctions package, that's another story. We all need to work intensively with the United States to ensure that at some point they impose appropriate sanctions. This will help a great deal, bank and energy sanctions. It largely depends on America whether Putin and the Russian army continue to profit from this war or whether they face serious economic challenges," he observed.
