Zelensky: The peace plan will require compromises

The peace plan to end the war in Ukraine will require compromises, and the concession from Kiev is acceptance of security guarantees instead of joining NATO, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday.

The politician answered journalists' questions on WhatsApp; his statements were quoted by, among others, Reuters agency.

Zelensky admitted that It is not possible to achieve a peace plan that will please everyone, so compromises will be necessary. He emphasized that agreeing to security guarantees for Kiev from the US and Europe in place of Ukraine's membership in NATO is a compromise on his country's part.

From the very beginning, Ukraine wanted to join NATO because it provides real security guarantees. Some partners from the US and Europe did not support this direction, Zelensky emphasized.

He added that guarantees from the US similar to Art. 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, establishing NATO, and guarantees from Europe, Canada and Japan “are a chance to prevent another Russian invasion.”

“And this is already a compromise on our part,” he said, adding that security guarantees should be legally binding.

The president also announced that he had not yet received a response from Washington regarding the counterproposals sent regarding the peace plan. He also added that a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war along the current front lines would be appropriate.

On Saturday, Zelensky announced that Ukraine is preparing for a series of key meetings with representatives of the United States and European countries, which are to be held on Sunday and Monday in Berlin. The talks will focus on security guarantees, reconstruction of the country and a political agreement ending the war.

The American Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing sources, that US special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with the President of Ukraine and European leaders this weekend in Berlin. (PAP)

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