The Ukrainian president, with the leaders of Germany, France and Britain, had conversations by phone to determine the position to be taken, both by , and by its allies in relation to their proposal for the end of . According to Zelensky himself, Kiev and its European allies are coordinating closely to ensure that Kiev’s principled positions are taken into account in a peace plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky’s statement: “I will not betray Ukraine”
As he even stated in his speech: “Now is one of the most difficult moments in our history. Now, the pressure on Ukraine is one of the most intense. Now, Ukraine may face a very difficult choice – either lose its dignity or risk losing an important partner.”
Washington has presented Kiev with a 28-point plan that requires Ukraine to cede further territory, reduce the size of its military and forever abandon hopes of joining the Western NATO alliance.
“Either 28 difficult points (of the draft), or an extremely harsh winter – the harshest ever – and further risks. Life without freedom, without dignity, without justice”, emphasized the Ukrainian president in his address to the Ukrainians.
He pledged to work quickly and constructively with the US on the peace plan to end the war, but said he would not betray his country’s national interest.
He said he would propose “alternatives” to the plan, a plan widely seen as favorable to Moscow.
“I will present arguments, convince, propose alternative solutions,” Zelensky said, promising not to “betray” Ukraine.
He urged Ukrainians to remain united in what he described as one of the most difficult times in the country’s history, adding that he expected more political pressure next week.
“I am now addressing all Ukrainians. To our people, to the citizens, to the politicians – to everyone. We must unite. Let’s get together. Stop arguing. Stop the political games,” the Ukrainian leader continued.
“The parliament of a country at war must function with unity. The government of a country at war must function effectively.” “We did not betray Ukraine then (on February 24, 2022), and we will not do it now. And I know for sure that in this truly one of the most difficult times in our history, I am not alone. That Ukrainians believe in their state, that we are united.” “We remember: Europe was with us. We believe: Europe will be with us”, he emphasized
The Ukrainian president also had a telephone conversation with US Vice President Jay D. Vance focusing on the US plan, according to a source in the Ukrainian presidency.
What was discussed during the telephone communication with the Europeans
According to what became known – from a relevant announcement by the office of German Chancellor Merz – regarding their communication with the president of Ukraine, the European leaders agreed with him that they wish to “preserve vital European and Ukrainian interests in the long term”. As the relevant announcement said, Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer welcomed the “American efforts”, while assuring Zelensky of “their full and unwavering support on the path to a lasting and just peace”.
At the same time, Eliseh’s announcement about the above-mentioned phone call emphasizes that the European leaders stressed that a solution for Ukraine “should fully include Ukraine, preserve its sovereignty and guarantee its future security”. All decisions concerning the European Union and NATO must be agreed by all EU and NATO member states respectively, the statement from the French presidency continues.
For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Ukraine should have the right to decide its own affairs when asked about US efforts to end the war in Ukraine. “All issues related to Ukraine must ultimately be decided by Ukraine,” Starmer told British television channels in South Africa.
Greater support for Ukraine
Czech President Petr Pavel stressed that if a peace plan for Ukraine is to be fair, it must not punish Kiev and must guarantee its sovereignty. “For the peace plan to be just, it must not punish the victim or overlook the crimes committed,” Pavel said in a post on X.
The head of European foreign policy Kaya Kalas emphasized that the EU and Ukraine want peace but will not give in to Russia’s aggression. She estimated that Russia wants to prevent American sanctions with the peace plan prepared by the USA.
For her part, the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, after a conversation she had with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding European support for the American proposal for Ukraine, asserted that, “we welcomed the references to the American proposals for strong security guarantees for Ukraine”, while stating that the final goal should be “a just and lasting peace for the benefit of the whole of Europe”.
