Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted that a lasting peace cannot be achieved simply through a formal agreement.
Zelenskyy rejected a proposal from former US President Donald Trump for an immediate truce and peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Following a Paris meeting with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump advocated for an immediate ceasefire and the commencement of negotiations to resolve the conflict, suggesting Ukraine was open to a deal.
However, Zelenskyy countered in a subsequent statement that the conflict’s resolution requires more than just signatures on a document. He emphasized that a ceasefire without sufficient guarantees is vulnerable to renewed hostilities. To prevent further Ukrainian losses, he stressed the need for reliable peace guarantees and a refusal to ignore the ongoing occupation.
He highlighted the presence of millions of Ukrainians in occupied territories, reiterating Kiev’s refusal to cede any territory to Moscow for peace.
Zelenskyy stated that his discussions with partners focus on achieving peace through strength, securing necessary steps and guarantees for Ukraine’s people and state.
Trump has repeatedly claimed he could swiftly resolve the conflict if re-elected, criticizing the prior US administration’s military aid to Kiev. Reports suggest he might attempt to freeze the conflict along existing lines, potentially using aid as leverage.
Moscow has consistently rejected a conflict freeze, insisting that any settlement requires Ukrainian troop withdrawal from what Russia considers its territory, protection of Russian-speaking populations, and Ukrainian neutrality.