Can fighting end by summer? Zelenskyy reveals key condition
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine and Russia could establish a ceasefire by summer, but this requires pressure from the United States, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in response to journalists' questions.
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"Whether it’s realistic to end the fighting by summer depends not only on Ukraine but also on the United States, which must put pressure on Russia. If there’s willingness not just from our side, but also from the aggressor, then we can end the fighting by summer," Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian President added that the following steps need to be taken before a ceasefire:
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Signing a security guarantees document for Ukraine with the United States;
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Signing the Ukraine Prosperity Plan, which will determine the country’s post-war recovery. This requires participation from both the US and the EU;
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Agreeing on a 20-point peace plan, particularly on the future status of the Donetsk region;
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Putting the peace plan to a referendum.
"I believe all of this can be achieved by summer," Zelenskyy noted.
Ending the war by summer
Earlier, Zelenskyy said the US aims to end the war by June and is working on a negotiation schedule.
He also noted that the US is considering the possibility of signing all key agreements simultaneously, including security guarantees.
Commenting on Zelenskyy’s statement, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said there are no set deadlines for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. He added that deadlines in such matters are "very dangerous."
Meanwhile, Russia continues to insist that Ukraine cede full control of the Donetsk region. It is unwilling to make territorial concessions.
