In his post, he describes the framework of its cooperation with the United States for the next day of the country, talking about a common road map of prosperity with a time horizon of 2040.
It says the plan being developed jointly with the US covers critical elements of a comprehensive agreement on investment and future development. At its core are national goals such as increasing life expectancy, returning refugees, raising GDP per capita, creating new jobs and guaranteeing security. At the same time, reference is made to access to international markets and Ukraine’s integration path to the European Union, as well as strategies for maintaining macroeconomic stability.
The Ukrainian president estimates that the cost of rebuilding the country will range between 700 and 800 billion euros, noting that a common understanding has been reached with the United States on the creation of a series of financing tools. These include the Fund for the Construction of Ukraine, a sovereign investment platform of Ukraine, a Fund for the Development of Ukraine and a Fund for the Development and Opportunities of Ukraine. At the same time, discussions are underway on the establishment of a Human Capital Fund and support for the return of citizens to the country.
“Ukraine did not start the war”
In the same post, Zelensky reiterates that Ukraine did not start the war, emphasizing that Russia bears the blame. He emphasizes that Kiev supported Donald Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire and that it has accepted a series of compromises, which are reflected both in the draft agreements and in the well-known 20-page plan of the Ukrainian side. “Ukraine is ready to do whatever it takes to stop this war,” he notes.
For Kiev, as he emphasizes, the absolute priority is the end of hostilities and the achievement of peace. However, in order to have a strong negotiating position, the support of the international community, and especially of Europe and the United States, is required. Zelensky points out that Ukrainian air defenses remain inadequate, as well as equipment and funding, despite recent European decisions, with particular emphasis on the need to boost the production of weapons and, above all, drones.
Referring to Moscow’s stance, he argues that while Ukraine seeks peace, Russia shows an intention to continue the war. As he notes, if Europe and America stand united on the side of Kiev, “together we will stop Vladimir Putin”. Instead, he warns that any support for Russia will prolong the conflict, with risks affecting the entire world, as – he says – Russia will not stop in Ukraine, regardless of agreements or declarations.
Special mention is also made of the issue of security in view of electoral procedures or a possible referendum. Zelensky stresses that the country’s skies must be absolutely safe and security ensured throughout the territory, with observers present everywhere. It reveals, in fact, that according to information from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Russia has already set itself the goal of facilitating the participation in the vote of Ukrainians who are in Russia or in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, in order to later question the legitimacy of the elections.
The Ukrainian president notes that there are “red lines” for Ukraine and its people, while acknowledging the existence of compromise proposals on highly sensitive issues such as territorial issues and the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. In any case, he emphasizes that before any decision there will be information to the citizens, as the final word belongs to the Ukrainian people, either through a referendum or through legislative changes.
In closing, he reiterates that security guarantees are the most critical issue for Kyiv. As he points out, the recent mass Russian attacks, at a time when talks are underway with the United States to end the war, demonstrate Moscow’s attitude. Under these conditions, he emphasizes, questions of elections or referendums cannot be raised without strong and reliable security guarantees.
Finally, Zelensky reiterates the importance of effective European support, noting that Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems and missiles as Russian attacks increase in both number and intensity.
