Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on European Union leaders to support a minimal peace with Russia, Reuters reports bureau reports.
The proposed peace would rely on air and sea war as a way to measure Moscow’s commitment to end the conflict.
Speaking at a summit in Brussels on Thursday, where European leaders gathered to discuss defence spending and support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy said,” Somebody needs to make sure that Russia, as the ultimate cause of this battle, accepts the need to stop it”.
He proposed two specific ceasefire measures: a halt to attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure—what he called a” truce for missiles, bombs, and long-range drones” —and an agreement for no military operations in the Black Sea. He stressed that these methods could be a starting point toward a broader harmony package and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy even highlighted the importance of slave markets as a way to create “basic trust”.
The Russian leader reiterated his position that no discussions about Ukraine does occur without its involvement. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump held strong deals with Russian authorities, leaving Kyiv and Western friends out of the discussions.
” Anything that affects the stability of Europe may be resolved with the involvement of Europe”, Zelenskyy insisted, welcoming a new EU defence strategy aimed at strengthening Western military capabilities.
The conference followed a anxious conference between Zelenskyy and Trump in Washington last year, which saw heated markets and strong censure of the Russian leader from the US presidency. With Washington pausing military assistance to Kyiv, Zelenskyy has intensified efforts to secure Western support.
Despite recent conflicts, Ukrainian and US authorities have agreed to hold more debate next year. Zelenskyy expressed desire that the conference may be “meaningful”.
Reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, he said,” Let me emphasise once again that Ukrainians do really want peace, but not at the cost of giving up Ukraine”.
