According to the head of state, Ukraine stands for the simplest and most understandable format for ending the war – first of all, a long-term ceasefire that can be controlled. Such a step, in his opinion, could be the end of the combat phase of the war and the basis for further diplomatic negotiations.
At the same time, Zelensky criticized approaches that provide for unilateral concessions, in particular the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbass. He emphasized that this would weaken the position of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, destroy already built defense lines and have a negative impact on the morale of the Ukrainian military.
The President also noted that the urbanized territories that Ukrainian forces currently hold are much more beneficial for defense than new fortifications that will have to be built “in the field” in the event of a retreat.
Separately, he noted the lack of clear security guarantees in such proposals. In his opinion, without the real presence of international partners on the line of contact, there are no safeguards that would restrain Russia from re-attacking.
“What security guarantees are given to Ukraine? Look, if our partners are not present there on the contact line, then why don’t the Russians launch an offensive again after some time? I just don’t understand, I don’t see any reason that they will be limited. What, for example, will the United States say, the President [США Дональд] Trump? President Trump is 2.5 years, and what will we do then?” Zelensky said.
