Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the Russian Federation to stop military actions against Ukraine and emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the Middle East and the Gulf region. According to him, establishing silence in these areas creates new opportunities for diplomatic efforts and can serve as an example for conflict resolution, particularly in Ukraine.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Significance of the Ceasefire and Ukraine’s Role
The President stressed that a ceasefire means saving lives, protecting infrastructure, restoring the operation of power plants, and developing safe conditions for diplomacy. Zelensky noted that Ukraine is ready to respond in kind if attacks from Russia cease, considering this an obvious condition for further peace agreements.
“A ceasefire is the right decision that leads to the end of the war. It preserves human lives, prevents the destruction of cities and villages, allows power plants and other infrastructure to function normally, and thus, it is the time and necessary conditions for diplomacy to yield results… Ukraine once again tells Russia: we are ready to respond in kind if the Russians stop their strikes. It is obvious to everyone that a ceasefire can create the right conditions for agreements”
The head of state reminded that in recent weeks, Ukrainian military experts have actively assisted in strengthening security in the Middle East and the Gulf. Ukrainian specialists continue to work to enhance the region’s defense capabilities.
Global Impact of Regional Security and Diplomatic Efforts
Zelensky emphasized that the situation in the Middle East has a global impact, as any threats to security and stability in this part of the world can affect the economy and living standards in various countries. He highlighted the importance of ensuring security, taking into account the interests of all nations when determining post-war conditions, as well as protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
On April 8, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement between the United States and Iran for a two-week ceasefire to conduct negotiations for a peace agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Tehran’s readiness for this step. Iran also announced guarantees for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during this period.
According to media reports, the first round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is scheduled for April 10 in Islamabad. This will be the first in-person talks since the beginning of the war between these countries.
Due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, the trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia, which took place in the winter, have been temporarily suspended. At the same time, Zelensky does not believe that these negotiations have reached a deadlock.
On April 1, President Zelensky reported a “good conversation” with representatives of U.S. President Donald Trump, including Stephen Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Senator Lindsey Graham, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The parties agreed on maintaining constant contact to strengthen security guarantees between Ukraine and the U.S.
Additionally, Ukraine has approached the U.S. with an initiative for an Easter ceasefire. Zelensky stated that it is still unknown whether the American side will be able to convey this proposal to Russia, but Ukraine remains open to dialogue regarding a ceasefire on Easter.
On April 6, Zelensky announced Ukraine’s readiness to cease strikes on Russian oil refining and oil export facilities in response to Russia’s refusal to attack Ukrainian energy infrastructure. However, the Russian side did not agree to a ceasefire.