During a press conference at the Davos Forum, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined key challenges in achieving peace, the role of international actors, and the necessity of robust security guarantees to ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability.
Engagement with President Trump and Expectations for U.S. Support
The President confirmed ongoing efforts to arrange a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration has signalled an intent to end the war in Ukraine swiftly. While no specific date has been set for the meeting, the Ukrainian leader emphasised the importance of aligning both nations’ strategies.
“Our teams are working to prepare for discussions on how to achieve a just and lasting peace. It’s critical that Ukraine remains a priority for the U.S. as a key ally in the face of Russian aggression,” Zelenskyy said.
The President acknowledged reports of Trump’s planned dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin but stressed the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s position as a central player in any negotiations.
“Ukraine is the victim of aggression. We did not start this war, and any agreements must reflect that reality,” he stated.
Russia’s Goals and Obstacles to Negotiation
The Ukrainian President reiterated that Russia has shown no genuine interest in ending the war. “Putin’s primary goal remains the destruction of Ukraine’s independence,” he asserted, adding that Russia has not met its objectives and continues to rely on aggressive tactics.
When asked about the possibility of conceding occupied territories to Russia in exchange for peace, the President firmly rejected the idea.
“Legally and morally, we cannot recognise occupied territories as Russian. This would undermine the sacrifices made by Ukrainians and erode the principles of sovereignty and international law.”
Security Guarantees and NATO Membership
The President described robust security guarantees as essential for Ukraine’s future. He identified NATO membership as the most cost-effective and reliable security framework. However, he acknowledged significant hurdles, citing reluctance from some NATO members, including the United States and Germany.
“Our experience has shown that without NATO or equivalent guarantees, Ukraine must maintain a large standing army. This places an immense economic burden on our country, which we cannot sustain indefinitely,” he explained.
The President also criticised past Western policies, particularly regarding NATO’s openness to Ukraine. “For decades, Ukraine was promised membership, but these promises were not fulfilled. This lack of transparency has weakened trust,” he said.
European and Global Partners’ Roles
While expressing gratitude for military and financial support from European allies, the President noted that Europe must adopt a stronger leadership role in peace negotiations. He highlighted Germany’s contributions, including critical air defence systems, but also pointed out areas for improvement, such as providing long-range missiles.
Regarding non-European actors like Brazil and China, the President expressed scepticism about their proposed peace initiatives. “These plans are often vague and do not address the core issues of the conflict,” he said, adding that a unified international approach based on Ukraine’s peace formula is crucial.
Leveraging Russia’s Assets for Ukraine’s Recovery
The President proposed leveraging frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction and bolster its security infrastructure. “With approximately €250 billion in Russian assets at our disposal, we have a practical and effective solution to aid Ukraine’s recovery and sustain stability while comprehensive security guarantees are established,” he stated.
Challenges in Achieving a Durable Peace
The President emphasised the difficulty of reaching a peace agreement with a hostile and untrustworthy counterpart like Putin. He argued for a position of strength in negotiations and highlighted the importance of international unity. “Putin must understand that his aggression will not be rewarded. Any negotiations must come from a position of power, not concession,” he said.
Looking Ahead: Ukraine’s Path to Stability
As the war continues, Ukraine remains committed to securing international support and building a framework for lasting peace. The President stressed that ending the war’s “hot phase” is a priority but cautioned that without security guarantees, the conflict could reignite.
“The world must ensure Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. This is not only about Ukraine but about upholding the principles of international law and justice,” he concluded.
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