Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to organize a meeting of leaders to define the key directions and timelines for providing security guarantees for Ukraine. He made this statement following a phone conversation with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, highlighting that teams are working at all levels – from military to security advisors.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“Our teams are actively preparing the architecture of strong and multilateral security guarantees for Ukraine, with all parties involved: Europeans, Americans, and other partners in the coalition of willing nations. Military commanders, defense ministers, security advisors – we are preparing components of future security at various levels. We are accelerating the determination of details. It is already time to organize a format for leaders’ discussions to identify key points and timelines,” Zelensky wrote.
Obstacles from Russia and the Position of the USA
Zelensky stressed that Russia continues to exert a negative influence on peace initiatives, demonstrating a reluctance for constructive negotiations. Despite this, Ukraine hopes for increased international pressure. The President emphasized that only decisive actions from the international community can compel Russia to engage in real diplomacy. Shelling of Ukrainian cities and towns continues, with new casualties reported daily.
In turn, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a swift end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, although he did not specify any timelines. Trump emphasized his readiness to impose new economic sanctions on Russia if the Kremlin shows no interest in peace. He noted that the U.S. does not intend to get involved in a global conflict but is prepared to engage in an “economic war.”
Prospects for Negotiations and Security Guarantees
The American leader also stated his intention to initiate a personal meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. In response to remarks that the Kremlin refuses to negotiate with Zelensky, considering him illegitimate, Trump noted that such statements are irrelevant and part of a public game. He added that the issue of sanctions could pertain not only to Russia but also to Ukraine if no progress is made.
From the very beginning of his presidency, Trump has emphasized the need for a swift end to the war, focusing on achieving a peace agreement rather than solely supporting Ukraine. In recent weeks, U.S. representatives have reported some progress toward peace, and Trump has met with both Putin and Zelensky.
Despite this, Russia still avoids personal negotiations with the Ukrainian side, setting additional conditions for dialogue. At the same time, the White House believes that both sides are now ready for certain concessions compared to their initial demands.
Ukraine continues to insist on receiving security guarantees from international partners. According to the Financial Times, during negotiations, the U.S. agreed to provide air and intelligence support for a future European mission that could be deployed in Ukraine after hostilities cease. Sources indicate that such a promise is a significant achievement for Ukraine and its European allies, despite Russia’s strong opposition to the deployment of foreign troops on Ukrainian territory, complicating the implementation of the proposed security guarantees.