Ukraine prepares for two possible scenarios. Diplomacy or continued defense — Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will prepare for two possible scenarios regarding the peace process — either diplomacy or continued active defense, according to a post by the head of state on Telegram.
He said that Ukraine is already preparing for the next diplomatic week. In particular, meetings will be held in Europe that are expected to become another contribution to the country’s defense, as well as a step toward bringing the end of the war closer.
"Ukraine will prepare for both possible scenarios going forward: diplomacy, which we are pursuing, or continued active defense if pressure from partners on Russia proves insufficient. Ukraine seeks peace. But Ukraine will not give up its strength to anyone," the president said.
Summing up, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to everyone working for the state and defending Ukraine.
US peace plan
In November, the US presented a new plan to end the war in Ukraine. Over the course of two months, Ukraine, the US, and Europe worked on refining it to make it more favorable for Kyiv.
Following all the negotiations, the key issues that still require agreement are territories and security guarantees.
Yesterday, Oleksandr Bevz, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, said that future security guarantees for Ukraine will be signed by the US, European partners, and Kyiv itself. The document will define how all guarantors will interact with one another.
According to him, the main elements of the future security framework are as follows:
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The Armed Forces of Ukraine as the first and key level of defense;
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Europe-led multinational forces that could be deployed in Ukraine and involved in security on land, in the air, and at sea;
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A US "backstop" — support for these forces from the United States.
Yesterday, Zelenskyy announced a new meeting with US President Donald Trump to continue discussions on the peace plan. According to him, the meeting will take place at the end of January.
Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy also emphasized that real compromises from Russia are possible only under conditions of strong pressure. He explained that this refers to a combination of sanctions, active military support for Ukraine, and maintaining dialogue with the involvement of the US and Europe.
